While
falling is a huge risk to the tower technicians that scale 100 to 300-foot
towers, heat illness is another risk that these workers face. OSHA has launched
their nationwide Heat Illness Prevention Campaign that aims to raise awareness
about the dangers of working in hot weather. The campaign began in 2011 and has
reached over 7 million people and distributed close to have a million fact
sheets, posters, quick cards, and training guides.
OSHA
explains that there are two types of heat illness: heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. The symptoms for heat exhaustion are: dizziness, headache, sweaty skin,
weakness, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fast heartbeat. While the symptoms for
heat stroke are: red, hot, dry skin, high temperature, confusion, convulsions,
and fainting.
Water,
rest, and shade can help workers stay safe and healthy. Make sure to drink
water every 15 minutes even if you aren’t thirsty. Watch out for each other,
rest in the shade, and wear hats as well as light colored clothing. According
to NATE, “Any worker exposed to hot and humid conditions is at risk of heat
illness, especially those doing heavy work tasks or using bulky protective
clothing and equipment. Some workers might be at greater risk than others if
they have not built up a tolerance to hot conditions.”
Take
a look at the Heat Fatalities map below provided by OSHA:
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