Stay safe this summer with these tips from OSHA.
It’s summertime in Florida, and we all know what the heat is like. Just being outside briefly is uncomfortable, so if you must work outdoors during the summer, it can be downright dangerous. At KB Staffing, we take the safety of our workers seriously. OSHA provides regulations and resources for workers and employers to help ensure that heat-based injuries don’t occur.
OSHA Hot Weather Recommendations
- Workers need to be provided with water, rest, and shade. During the Florida summers, temperatures can reach upwards of 100 degrees. It’s important to stay hydrated and take plenty of breaks to manage the heat.
- Build up to the heat. New or returning workers need time to acclimate to the heat. Employers should allow workers to gradually increase their outdoor workloads to give them time to get used to the heat.
- Plan for emergencies and train personnel on prevention. Employers should take the heat seriously and make sure workers are informed on how to protect themselves. There should also be plans in place in the event of emergency. Have water on hand to help workers be prepared to handle the heat.
- Watch out for signs of distress. When it’s hot and humid outside, the body can have a hard time cooling itself. Sweating is the body’s natural defense, but if the humidity is too high, the sweat can’t evaporate, and sweating becomes ineffective. Employers and workers should keep an eye on each other. If someone is showing signs of fatigue, lack of focus, or is not interested in drinking water, they may be suffering the early stages of a heat-related illness. Get them into the shade or air conditioning and give them time to cool off with some water. If precautions aren’t taken, the person may faint, and then emergency procedures will need to be taken.
KB Staffing hires for many different types of positions, including road crews and landscaping. We want all our workers to stay safe on the job, so please take the heat seriously.
When you are looking for work in Polk County, look to KB Staffing to help you find the right job. We have lots of full time temp jobs and temp-to-hire jobs that need to be filled right away. We’re here to help the Polk County workforce stay busy.
