With safety as our number one core value, we are always watching out for each other. With warm weather upon us, we are careful to make sure everyone is hydrated and not working with undo stress due to heat and dehydration. Heat illness can tiptoe in and then escalate quickly into a serious health issue. We want to make sure that we are taking preventive steps to avoid heat-related illnesses, and these steps can also be used at home.
5 preventive steps to avoid heat-related illnesses:
- Drink plenty of clear fluids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol.
- Get plenty of rest and at least 7 hours of sleep nightly.
- Maintain a well-balanced diet that includes high moisture fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, watermelon and cucumbers.
- Take periodic breaks out of the sun and hot weather.
- Place a cool towel around the neck when feeling tired or hot.
Water equals hydration and a good benchmark according to OSHA is 4 cups per hour of water when the heat index is high working outside. There are several free heat index apps available for smart phones. Local strawberry season is also upon us. Be ready to head to the local food market and stock up and stay hydrated. It starts with one. Encourage friends and family to do the same.
Kyle Black is the District Manager at Seneca Meadows Landfill located in Seneca Falls, New York.