This week the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) is hosting Safety Stand Down Week in conjunction with OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week. When you think of safety, you may picture the frontline workers who are inbounding and processing material. But, in many cases, safety is everyone’s responsibility.
For example, everyone needs to stay safe and aware during extreme weather events. For heavy snow you can bundle up to stay warm and in cases of a heavy rain, you can clean up any outdoor furniture before a big storm rolls through.
However, heat poses a risk because it’s much harder to see. One day, you are enjoying the weather, and the next being outside feels like a blow dryer is hitting you in the face. The temperature change isn’t just annoying—it can be dangerous.
Here are three easy tips to help your team beat the heat:
- Water. Get in the habit of drinking at least one cup of cool water every 15 to 20 minutes while working in the heat, even if you’re not thirsty. In fact, if you’re thirsty, you are already dehydrated. If you’re working a long day in the heat, make sure to replenish your electrolytes as well.
- Rest. Taking a break when it’s hot outside helps us cool our body temperatures down. You might be tempted to skip a break, but in hot conditions, this is not safe.
- Shade. If you are working outdoors, find a shady area like an air-conditioned vehicle or a nearby tent with fans and misting devices to take your break. If you happen to be working indoors, rest in a cool or air-conditioned area away from heat sources like heavy equipment.
Each facility’s needs will be different, even within the same organization. Perhaps your company has one facility in the Southeast and another in the upper Midwest. It could be likely that your team in the Southeast acclimates to the heat quicker than those in the upper Midwest. Another operation might limit outdoor work once it reaches a certain temperature. Find a solution that works for your needs to keep your team safe.
Now is a great time to talk to your yard supervisors and even your hourly employees to assess how well your facility’s heat safety plan is working. Ask them if they are getting enough water, where they take breaks to cool down, and if they have other ideas to help beat the heat.
Don’t worry. You don’t have to go it alone. If you need help working through your facility’s heat safety plan, reach out to our Director of Safety Outreach, Dr. Ryan Nolte, at rnolte@recycledmaterials.org.
BONUS: Download this printout to post in your break rooms.
By working together, we can help keep our employees safe. Remember, do it safely or not at all.
