April 29, 2019

www.wasterecycling.org

SAFETY MONDAY
Preparing to Work Safely in Hot Weather
In many parts of the country, the weather is beginning to warm up making it an ideal time to
remind waste and recycling industry workers about the importance of staying healthy when
the temperature rises. When working outside in the heat, employees are urged to:

1. Drink plenty of water and/or other beverages that help to replenish your electrolytes
and carbohydrates to keep you hydrated (i.e. sports drinks, coconut water, etc…) Most soda
products will not help you hydrate appropriately therefore you should avoid them. NIOSH
recommends that for moderate activity in moderate conditions, each worker should drink 1
cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Take care of your skin and eyes by wearing a hat, using sunscreen and wearing
sunglasses that offer your eyes UV protection.

3. Wear loose fitting, light color, lightweight clothing.

4. Use a fan or air conditioning if available. While it may not always be possible, try to
take your breaks in areas that are as cool and shaded as possible.

5. Pay attention to headaches you may experience as well as dizziness and clammy skin
as these may be signs of heat stress. If you have these symptoms or if you notice a
colleagues experiencing these symptoms, you or that person should move to the shade,
drink water and call 911. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that workers
at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight,
have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by
extreme heat.

Distributed in

SWANI
partnership with

SOLID WASTE ASSOCIATION

of North America