During the summer season, risk for heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses and accidents is its highest. During this time, precaution must be taken to ensure the safety of employees.
Temporary structures as work/food/heat-reduced structures
There are many benefits of temporary structures that can help reduce exposure to extreme heat. Installing a work or food tent creates an area for on-site workers to take a break and eat without the harmful heat and light of the sun directly affecting them. Temporary structures for warehouses can keep sensitive products safe from harmful exposure, as well as employees. Similar applications can be used on military bases and operations to ensure the safety of officers and service men and women. They can also help in reducing exposure to the elements that can hinder employees and other personnel from being able to perform needed tasks.
Amenities that can help beat the heat
Many amenities can be added to any structures, including HVAC systems with dehumidification capabilities. More practical for sealed off structures, installing an HVAC system can provide workers, guests or other personnel within the structure a temperature-regulated environment. Dehumidification helps in areas of the country that have high humidity levels, such as the Mid-South. These applications combined will increase the productivity of workers and reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or other heat-related illnesses.
Sunbelt Rentals has a wide variety of fabric tops that can be added to any structure to decrease the effects of the summer heat. Translucent tops allow for natural lighting, which provides a bright interior during the daytime. This is recommended for construction covers and warehouse structures, due to the use of the natural light and the lightweight material they are comprised of. This type of fabric top cuts down on the amount of UV light exposure that workers and clients have to endure while working within the structure. Another type of fabric top is the blackout, or opaque, top, which eliminates any light and keeps the interior of the structure cooler.
Water services are also available, and can be deployed into locations with limited access to resources. These tankers allow for restroom and water facilities to be utilized, so that workers have access to fresh drinking water and a cool shelter.
General heat safety tips
- Stay hydrated.Drinking fluids throughout the day can greatly reduce the effects of heat exhaustion. Ensure that there are numerous water coolers or sources of fresh drinking water available for workers to have.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Wearing light colors and lightweight clothing can help keep your body cool. While remaining true to dress code, make work attire accommodating to extreme heat.
- Protect the skin. Ultraviolet rays are a natural companion to exposure by the sun, and can only be kept out with shade or covering. Encourage workers to apply adequate amounts of sunscreen.
Interested in learning more about our temporary structures? Contact us.
