6 Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun
The months of summer is the best time of year to get outdoor work done and enjoy the weather. But warm temperatures do come with some dangers that require you and your crew to take precautions on and off the job.
Use these tips to stay safe in the sun and heat and learn more about some of the great products we carry at Gemplers to keep you cool, safe, and productive.
1. Wear Sun Protection Clothing
According to the CDC, the sun’s UV rays are strongest between the hours of 10am and 4pm – when most of us are outside working on landscapes, in the fields, or cleaning up grounds. Clothing specifically designed to keep you cool and protected is essential on the job. Gemplers carries a variety of shirts and hoodies that come with UPF protection that will block some of the most harmful rays from the sun.
Our top picks include the Carhartt Sun Defender collection and Pyramex hi-vis shirts/hoodies.
2. Sunscreen is Essential
This one seems obvious, but it can be easily forgotten when you are on the go. Be sure to apply sunscreen every 2-4 hours when working outdoors, especially if you are sweating on the job. Gemplers carries a new industrial-strength sunscreen that is made right here in the US. This sunscreen is available in a range of sizes depending if you are on the go or working at the job site. Plus, it is sweat and water-resistant to provide the maximum amount of protection during the summer.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water and electrolyte replacement beverages is essential when working on job sites in the heat. Whether you are in an agricultural setting, working on a landscape or construction site, or mowing a golf course, your body needs to stay hydrated to prevent the risk of heat-related illnesses.
OSHA now requires employers to provide sports drinks or electrolyte-supplemented drinks for jobs lasting longer than 2 hours. Gemplers just launched a new brand of hydration products called Sqwincher. These easy-to-use drink powders and freezer pops can help replace salt and electrolytes that are lost when we sweat.
Sqwincher Zero Sugar Powder Packs. 32 packs of assorted flavors.
4. Shade Your Eyes and Face from the Sun
Sunglasses and shade hats are important for keeping the sun at bay and protecting your eyes on the job. The sun’s ultraviolet UV rays can be damaging over time, so it is important to wear the proper attire when spending extended periods of time outdoors.
Gemplers carries a wide variety of sun hats, sunglasses, and our newest addition, a sun shade that can attach to a hard hat. These products will ensure healthy eyes for years to come and protection on your face from UV rays.
5. Know the Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
Heat stress and exhaustion can take many shapes and forms.Make sure your crew knows the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and how to avoid it.
Some of the main symptoms include:
- Muscle Weakness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Loss of Coordination
- Fainting
If you or a member of your team is exhibiting these symptoms, you can move them to a cool, shaded area, remove excess PPE and workwear to cool them down, provide water or an electrolyte-replenishing drink, or call for medical help in extreme circumstances.
Reference our helpful resources here to learn more about heat stress and how to prevent it
6. Take Regular Breaks to Rehydrate and Cool Off
During the hot summer months, it is important to remember to take regular breaks from the hard work to rehydrate and cool down. The sun’s UV rays are extremely powerful and can be damaging after hours and hours in direct light.
Your crew should hydrate every 20-30 minutes with breaks every 2-4 hours. Make sure you have water and electrolyte drinks on hand and a place where the team can rest and cool off.
Follow these tips and more on Gemplers Learning Hub, and your crew will be ready to stay productive and healthy on the job site this summer.
