Business Issues
National Safety Month will save lives. Heat stress and mild heat exhaustion are fairly easy to treat with a little shade, hydration and rest. However, just as quickly as things can get better— they can turn potentially fatal. Severe cases of heat stroke involve loss of consciousness, seizures and vomiting and require immediate professional medical attention— often requiring life-saving techniques like the TACO method( tarp-assisted cooling oscillation) where an overheated worker is doused with ice water to cool their core as quickly as possible.
The TACO method, just like CPR, is a life-saving intervention and should be administered until help arrives.
Preventative Measures
We know you are probably tired of hearing the word“ hydration,” but this should reiterate the importance of simply drinking water throughout the work day and at home. Staying hydrated is the most crucial factor in preventing heat-related illnesses and the easiest precaution to
take. Crane operators are advised to drink water frequently, in small amounts, every 15-20 minutes, while avoiding caffeinated beverages, since they can contribute to dehydration.
Gravity always wins: One in five workplace deaths, across all sectors, is in the construction industry.
Scheduling Regular Breaks
Work still must be done, despite the weather. However, schedules should be adjusted to minimize exposure to extreme heat due to the lack of official guidelines.
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20 CRANE HOT LINE ® June 2024 • www. cranehotline. com