Outdoor workers are at risk of heat-related illness when the heat index is high. (The heat index is a measure of how hot it feels when relative humidity is taken into account along with the actual air temperature.) Additional risk factors include:

• Working in direct sunlight – adds up to 15 degrees to the heat index
• Performing prolonged or strenuous work
• Wearing heavy protective clothing or impermeable suits

To protect workers from heat stress, OSHA recommends:

• Drinking water every 15 minutes; and taking frequent rest breaks in the shade to cool down
• Developing an emergency plan that explains what to do when a worker shows signs of heat-related illness
• Training workers on the hazards of heat exposure, and how to prevent illness
• Allowing workers to build a tolerance for working in heat through acclimatization

In addition to following these recommendations, our group pre-plans, prepares materials and tools, and schedules work as early as possible — taking full advantage of the coolest part of the work day.

When you choose the Tri-State/Service Group, you’re partnering with an experienced and safe roofing contractor. Our groups hold regular meetings with a full safety agenda that includes best practices for recognizing, preventing, and responding to heat-related illnesses. Through our “Working. Safe.” program, we are always working to improve safety performance and minimize risks like these each day–with a zero injury and illness goal.