August is Summer Sun Safety Month

Did you know that August is Summer Sun Safety Month? When most people think of sun safety, they think of wearing sunscreen on the beach, but protecting yourself is important wherever you are spending extended periods of time out in the heat. Recently, new legislation was proposed to help combat heat exhaustion and illness among construction workers. It would require U.S. construction companies to allow workers to take a paid 15-minute break every four hours, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association. According to OSHA, “each year dozens of workers die and thousands become ill while working in hot and humid conditions.”

Any of our customers who work outside, whether they are roofers, masonry contractors, or landscapers know just how hot that summer sun can feel, but often the dangers of working in the heat are not widely discussed. Some common risks for outdoor contractors are sunburn, heat stroke, heat rash, dehydration, and fatigue. Thankfully there are lots of products available that can help keep you cool, comfortable, and protected while you are working during those long hot summer days…

1.       Hard Hats and Accessories

While hard hats are standard attire on many construction sites for their impact protection – they play an extra role outside when the sun is blazing. Cap style hard hats provide some shade on the face, and the 360 degree brim on a full-brim hard hat provides protection for the ears and back of neck in addition to the face. Also available are hard hat accessories, like a neck shade, which extends the brim even further, and provides full coverage on the back of the neck.

2.       Mirrored Safety Glasses

Eyes are also susceptible to sun damage with extended time outdoors in the summer. High quality mirrored safety glasses and shaded safety glasses will filter out 99+% of UV rays, reducing eye strain and damage. Sunglass safety goggles come in all different styles, with available cushioned nose pieces and temples for comfort.

3.       Cooling Towels & Head Wraps

Products that can be soaked in cold water and worn around the head or neck can provide cooling relief on the job. Often these items also have evaporative properties so they can also wick sweat from the skin when they are dry.

4.       Electrolyte Drink Mixes

These drink mixes provide critical nutrients that keep you hydrated on the job, and they come in a variety of flavors to suit any taste preference. They can be purchased as single serve sticks that can be mixed into a 16oz water bottle, or they can be used in a bulk pack that can be added to a 5 gallon water cooler for a team hydration station. They are even available in a zero-sugar variety for a healthy alternative that will not have you crashing after a sugar rush.

5.       Sunscreen

It goes without saying that sunscreen is going to be your best bet for protecting any exposed skin when you’re outdoors. Try to use UVA/UVB broad spectrum sunscreen which will block a wide range of the most dangerous UV rays from the sun. Sunscreen should be applied generously to the face, neck, ears and arms, and reapplied frequently!

6.       Rest

No matter how many products you use to keep yourself comfortable in the heat, there is no true substitute for REST. On the hottest, sunniest days, it is important to take breaks periodically to rehydrate, relax and catch your breath. Once exhaustion sets in, mistakes and accidents on the job can become more likely. The summer sun is no joke and can quickly zap your energy if you’re not careful about pacing yourself throughout the day, so take time to find some shade and get out of the sun, so you can recharge.