We all know how hot it
can get working in a shop environment over the next few months. Prolonged exposure
to hot temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses, such as heat
exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke
(also known as sun stroke). As your body works to cool itself under extreme or
prolonged heat, blood
rushes to the surface of your skin.
As a result, less blood reaches your brain, muscles, and other
organs. This can interfere with both your physical strength and your mental
capacity, leading, in some cases, to serious danger and injury.
Most heat-related illnesses
can be prevented by avoiding dehydration in hot environments. When you are
working, try and remember to drink lots of water to keep yourself properly
hydrated. Everyone knows where sinks and/or drinking fountains are located in
their workplace. Also, try and keep a water bottle with you at your work
station to ensure you are not going too long without hydrating your body. When
it gets hot, it is very important that we try and keep a close eye on each
other to try and spot any irregularities in our co-workers behavior due to
dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
Some jobs can be very
dangerous in even the most comfortable environments. These jobs can be made much more dangerous
when we aren’t thinking properly due to discomfort in the heat. Try to remember
not to lose focus on your safety and the safety of those around you.
