With summer just around the corner, there will be more construction crews working on roadways. The long days and warmer temperatures allow construction workers to get more done. However, the summer season comes with its own hazards that workers have to watch out for.
Here are the top summer hazards for construction workers.
Heat-Related Illnesses
While the summer heat can feel nice at first, working out in extremely hot temperatures for hours can be dangerous. Construction workers may develop heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke or heat exhaustion. They may experience various symptoms, like muscle cramps, shallow breathing, nausea, decreased urination, heavy sweating and dizziness.
Construction workers can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses by using canopies to avoid direct sun exposure, drinking fluids frequently, wearing the proper clothes and taking breaks in shaded areas.
Fatigue
Working in the sun for long periods of time can also cause extreme exhaustion. This can be quite dangerous for construction workers. If they are very fatigued, construction workers can’t concentrate or react quickly to situations, which can increase the risk of accidents.
To combat fatigue, workers should get at least eight hour of sleep at night, drink plenty of water and avoid working in direct sun for long periods of time.
Sun Exposure
The sun is extra intense during the summer months. As such, construction workers are at greater risk of sunburns. The more sunburns someone gets, the more he or she is at risk of skin cancer. Sunburns can also increase thirst and fatigue.\
To prevent sunburn, construction workers may want to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen to exposed areas of skin.
Vehicle Accidents
Construction workers often work on busy roadways during the summer months. Since more people drive during the summer, construction workers are at a great risk of getting struck by a vehicle. These accidents are more likely to occur when motorists are speeding or distracted.
It is important for construction workers to always be alert and keep a lookout for oncoming vehicles. They should also wear bright-colored clothes.
Eye Risks
Wearing safety eyewear is especially important during the summer. Construction workers are exposed to extreme heat, sunlight and debris, which can all damage the eyes.
If you were injured in a construction accident, get in touch with a construction accident lawyer, like one from Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C.
