Now that summer has finally reached us we have to prepare ourselves and our employees for the heat and hazards that come along with it. Now don't get me wrong, I am happy the nice weather is here to stay for a few months, we just need to take a few steps to prepare ourselves for heat related hazards. I have put together a TOP 5 list of steps to protecting your employees.

1. Practice prehydration. Before work starts, your employees should drink up to 16 ounces of fluid. After work begins, they should drink 8 ounces every 20 minutes during the day.

2. Drink the right stuff. Studies have shown that flavored water is more effective than plain water at providing hydration. This is simply because plain water is much better at quenching thirst and, therefore, people drink less of it. People will drink a larger volume of flavored water because they will continue to feel thirsty. Also, remind employees that they should never drink alcoholic beverages when working in the heat. Of course, that's prohibited on the job, but they should be careful off the job as well. Another thing to consider is not to drink caffeinated products only (coffee, tea, energy drinks, etc). Our bodies have trouble processing these products and do not offer much hydration.

3. Become acclimated to the heat slowly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a heat acclimation schedule can be induced within 5 to 7 days of exposure. Our weather here in New England changes constantly, as a result we have to prep our bodies. Check the weather a couple weeks in advance and plan accordingly.

4. Take off that hat. The body loses a lot of heat out of the top of the head. In winter, you want to wear a hat to keep the heat in. But in summer, you want to release body heat. So if your workers are in hot shade, advise them against wearing a hat. If they are in direct sun and need shading, recommend that they wear a visor rather than a cap.

5. Wear the right fabric. Cotton is great at absorbing moisture from the skin while sweating, but it can create a problem if the fabric becomes soaked. If possible, recommend that your workers wear a loose, thin, white, synthetic t-shirt while working in the heat. Synthetic material does not absorb sweat, but instead, sends it off the skin to be quickly evaporated. Synthetic fabrics will keep your workers cooler and safer from dangers of heat illness.

Do you have a question about Safety at your workplace, reach out to one of our experts.

Heat stroke kills over 4,000 people annually, and thousands more suffer heat-related illnesses and injuries every year. Heat illness occurs when the body retains more heat than it loses. Core temperature rises as a result. Workers are at greater risk of heat illness when they are dehydrated, not used to working in a hot environment, in poor health, older, or have had heat illness before.

Heat related illness usually have a starting point of dehydration and if ignored or accelerated can lead to heat exhaustion and eventually heat stroke. If you keep your body hydrated, you can generally keep yourself safe all summer long.

If you are someone who works in the elements or just enjoys the outdoors than DRINK FLUIDS!

Let me ask you this question, Have you ever been or are you thirsty right now?

If the answer to this questions is YES than you are or have been dehydrated. At the point that you are thirsty it is to late, it is going to be much harder to re-hydrate yourself. Preventative maitnence is the best way to go.

You have to put oil in the motor of your vehicle to keep it running smoothly and keep the internal parts lubed up. Water does the same thing for your body, you need to keep it lube up and running smooth by puttting fluids in it.

You can learn more about heat illnesses and other summer issues when you take a First Aid class. Learn how to take care of yourself and your family.

Happy Summer Everyone!