Heat Protection on the Job

Posted on by TP Mechanical Contractors

Heat spells ‘hazard on the job’ for workers in the summertime. With the warmer weather moving into our area, the risks for heat-related illnesses increase, especially for workers exposed to humid conditions while wearing bulky protective clothing.

So, how do you stay cool during the warmest months of the year? Would you know the signs if heat exhaustion suddenly hit?

Hydration is Key

The absolute best way to avoid the threat of heat-related illness while working is to stay hydrated. Water is still the go-to drink in extreme heat. As for the amount of water that you will need to stay hydrated, new research suggests we should go beyond the traditional 8 glasses per day rule. Recent studies are saying that on average, adult males need about 3.7 liters of fluids per day (nearly 16 cups), while ladies need roughly 2.7 liters (or 11 cups) per day.

5 nutrition textures (fruits and vegetables isolated on white)There are other food options for helping you stay hydrated, including:

  • Fruits & vegetables
  • Sports drinks
  • Smoothies

What to Wear?

OHSA advises workers to wear light, loose-fitting clothing while working in extreme heat. Tightly-woven clothing works best for blocking out light, and the fabric should contain as much cotton as possible.

You should also be wearing sunscreen to block harmful sun rays. A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93 percent of UV rays.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extreme temperatures can include a vented hard hat with UV protection, reflective clothing, body-cooling vests, and water-cooled garments. Workers should also be aware that some equipment can actually increase the risk of heat stress.

Knowing the Signs

Signs of heat exhaustion include disorientation, stumbling, slurred speech and unresponsiveness.

Other symptoms include:

  • Muscle cramps
  • Heat rash
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Severe thirst

 

TP Mechanical puts Safety First, Always First. Read more about TP Mechanical’s commitment to Safety.

Rescue Old Produce

Posted on by TP Mechanical Contractors

Presented by TP Mechanical | Prepared by HORAN

The bananas on the counter have turned brown, the apples are no longer crisp and the tomatoes have definitely seen better days. You might be tempted to just throw old, shriveled fruits and vegetables in the trash or compost bin, but pause before you do. Even when they’re past their prime, many fruits and veggies can still be put to nutritious use. In some cases, older fruit and veggies might even be better. For these delicious dishes, you won’t need any tools that you don’t already have sitting in your kitchen.

5 nutrition textures (fruits and vegetables isolated on white)Applesauce – Applesauce is made by cooking chopped apples in a small amount of water on the stovetop. Simmer and mash apples with a potato masher until they reach desired chunkiness. You can add strawberries, pears or other fruits for different flavors, as well as cinnamon or a splash of vanilla.

Breads – Bananas, apples and zucchini are just a few of the fruits and vegetables that can be incorporated into bread or cake recipes. Grate or mash and add to a more traditional recipe, or search for a recipe that is built around a particular fruit. Shredded apple and zucchini are also great pancake additions.

Pies – Traditionally, pies can be made with any type of filling inside a pastry. Use a pre-made or homemade crust and mix together a fruit filling with those soft apples, berries or other fruits. Check out a cookbook for more ideas.

Smoothies – For a cold, nutritious treat, blend a variety of fruits and vegetables into smithereens. Any type of fruit or vegetable can be thrown into the blender and churned into a cold treat. Alter the ratio of different fruits, and try adding milk, yogurt, ice, vanilla or honey to change up the flavors.