All around the nation, people have been experiencing sweltering heat over the past week. As a construction worker, it’s important to stay cool, especially during these scorching summer months. Around 10.3 million workers are employed through a construction job, according to 2016 data from Statista. With almost half of heat-related ailments happening in the construction sector, according to the OSHA, it’s that much more important to take the right measures to keep your workers cool, and part of that is having the right gear.
Liability insurance for construction workers will come in handy to keep constructions workers safe while on the job. The rest is up to preventing overheating and wearing the correct gear.
The Proper Clothing
Go light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting. Natural fiber clothing like cotton is always a good choice because it’s breathable and absorbs moisture well, according to Construct Connect. Another smart option is moisture-wicking clothing, which draws off the sweat from your body. When you’re in a humid climate, this allows you to cool off a little quicker.
Natural materials like cotton and linen are recommended for hot climates. Lightweight 100 percent wool is also good for hot climates, though it is commonly thought that it’s meant for cool weather. Whatever is it, don’t pick a heavy fabric. It’s going to cling to your body and sweat like none other, adding a layer of heat on your person.
If you’re in high temperatures with high humidity, then a light-colored, breathable fabric is best. Dark fabrics are notorious for sucking in more heat while light colors reflect light.
Clothes That Offer Protection
It’s important to stay protected from the sun’s harmful rays. That means the more clothing you have covering your body, the better. It’s one of the only ways to ensure you’ll never have to use your liability insurance for construction workers. Choose long pants over shorts and long sleeves over short.Ensure that your neck is properly covered: it’s a sensitive area. As for your head, wear a hat. Your head will thank you later.
High Visibility Summer Clothing
Also known as HiVis clothing, it holds a dual purpose of keeping you safe from motorists and keeping you cool from summer’s harmful rays. When it’s too hot to wear jackets and jumpsuits, this type of clothing can really come in handy.
Staying Safe on the Job
Of course, dressing for a construction job requires a bit more than just dressing for an ordinary day outside. While the heat can be intense, safety is ultimately the most important thing for any construction operation’s apparel. The following items should always be worn:
- A hard hat
- Eye or face protectors
- Gloves suited for the task at hand
- Earplugs and earmuffs (for high-noise areas)
- Boots with slip resistance and safety toes
About ISU / The Olson Duncan Agency
At ISU-The Olson Duncan Agency, our goal is to provide clients with a total solution, not just a quote or a contract. We provide businesses and individuals with insurance and risk management solutions, and we aim to provide real value and build trustworthy, long-term relationships with our clients. To learn more about our services, give us a call today at (310) 373-6441 to speak with one of our professionals.