Commercial demolition in Kansas City, MO is by no means an indoor job. As a result, demolition contractors spend most of their days standing outside, sweating under the sweltering summer sun as they coordinate a project and clean up the aftermath. And, while working outside may be the dream of many who are trapped in an office for eight hours a day, it actually comes with a fair amount of hazards that need to be planned for—including heat exhaustion.
Heat exhaustion is a huge concern for demolition contractors during the summer months and can take a major toll on a person’s health. From dizziness and lethargy to more dangerous problems such as heat stroke or extreme sunburn, the sun is going to wreck havoc on your body if you leave it unprotected for even a few hours.
What can you do to protect yourself from heat exhaustion and sun exposure if you’re stuck outside all day? Take a moment to follow these incredibly simple and effective tips:
- First and foremost, stay hydrated! The sun is going to zap the moisture right out of your skin and cause you to sweat, which is also going to be a drain on your body’s fluid levels. You need to be drinking water constantly throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated. A good rule of thumb is to be drinking 16oz of water (roughly a single water bottle) every hour you’re outside. Keep a refillable water jug handy and sip frequently, even if you’re not thirsty.
- Along with hydrating constantly, make sure you’re eating right. Grab some breakfast before you hit the jobsite, pack a hearty lunch and snack on things that will leave you feeling energized throughout the day. You’re going to burn some crazy calories sweating all day, so be sure to give your body the energy it needs to keep going.
- Protect your face, arms and neck from the sun in every possible way. Firstly, this means using a generous portion of sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Lather up any exposed skin to keep UV rays from doing a number on you. Second, wear a hat and eyewear to protect your face and eyes from penetrating UV light. Finally, stand in the shade whenever possible to limit your exposure to direct light.
- Take breaks when possible. Nothing zaps your energy like the sun—especially when it’s flanked by high heat and humidity. Taking a moment to rest will prevent you from overexerting, which will worsen heat exhaustion and lead you down the path of a heat stroke. Even if it’s only for 60 seconds, be sure to pay attention to your body’s demands for rest.
It’s important to listen to your body and to take the proper steps to protect it from overexposure during the peak of the summer season. Though commercial demolition in Kansas City, MO doesn’t always allot for time spent indoors, working under the summer sun doesn’t have to be a death sentence. Follow the above tips and be kind to yourself this summer season.