Temperature Safety: Heat Exhaustion and PPE
Anyone who lives or works in the south knows that the summer heat is not only brutal and dangerous, it tends to exist outside of the normal summer months. This problem is not even exclusive to the south, with recent heat waves demonstrating that even the traditionally cool parts of the country can experience perilously high temperatures. Working outdoors or in non-climate controlled environments in extreme heat is taxing enough on the human body, let alone when wearing extra layers of protective clothing and safety equipment for hours at a time. Through years of dealing with multiple companies across various industries, many of whom frequently work in extreme conditions, we understand that safety in high temperatures is of tantamount importance.
The Risks of Heat Exhaustion
Even in cooler climates, heat exhaustion is a common occupational hazard that should not be taken lightly. When high temperatures cause the body to overheat, it can result in the excessive loss of water and salt, an increased pulse, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and more. Not only are these symptoms dangerous in themselves, they can also increase the risk of other on-site accidents that can arise as a result of decreased cognitive function. Furthermore, victims of heat exhaustion are at a much higher risk of heat stroke, a life-threatening medical emergency that requires an immediate response. Employers have a duty to their employees to maintain a safe environment, and one of the best ways to prevent heat related accidents is to ensure that workplaces are supplied with the proper preventative equipment.
Regulating Body Temperature
The key to preventing heat exhaustion and more serious temperature-related conditions is by employing safety procedures with the necessary equipment. As a premium supplier for the Gulf Coast and beyond, Action Specialties has years of experience in helping companies that operate in extreme heat and humidity. As a result, we stock a wide variety of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that not only meets OSHA standards and protects employees in hazardous conditions, but is also made of lightweight, breathable materials that assist in regulating body temperature. Furthermore, we stock several brands that manufacture sweat-wicking and cooling gear that employ personal cooling systems, mitigating high-heat environments with cutting edge technology.
Responding to Potential Heat Emergencies
While preventative measures may be the best way to avoid heat-related incidents, there are still several options available to deal with heat exhaustion and similar conditions before they escalate into more dangerous situations. Increased body temperature is one of the most prevalent causes of heat exhaustion, and when the symptoms of heat exhaustion make themselves known, there are ways to curb the worst effects of heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.
Perhaps the most dangerous part of high-heat conditions is dehydration. A lack of water can cause many easily preventable issues to become serious problems. Fortunately, high temperatures and lack of water can be easily solved if a workplace is adequately prepared. For example, cooling tents can help employees stay hydrated and keep their body temperature regulated. Furthermore, cooling towels can help employees stay cool who might otherwise be in danger reaching high body temperatures.
Finally, a great risk of working in high temperatures is the risk of dehydration. Not only is dehydration a serious threat to productivity and mental performance, it can be a cause of serious injury. A lack of hydration and electrolytes can lead to dizziness, exhaustion, and other symptoms that can present a serious threat to employees. Fortunately, recent developments have made hydration easier than ever. Action Specialties has several options for liquid hydration that can help replenish electrolytes and liquids with minimal efforts, minimizing the chance of hydration-related issues on a job site.
Your Safety Supplier for All Conditions
Whether you’re working in extreme heat, bitter cold, or any conditions in between, Action Specialties is equipped to meet all of your company’s safety needs. Our fuss-free fulfilment team makes supplying your workplace with the necessary supplies with the least hassle possible. Not only is Action Specialties a premium supplier of temperature sensitive PPE, branded products, and more; we are proud to be a premium supplier of promotional gear, workwear, and so much more. Be sure to check out our selection of workwear and apparel online to scratch the surface of the many products we offer!