In New Jersey, it seems as though winter has a death grip on the state until suddenly, overwhelming heat and humidity roll in, signaling the arrival of summer. For the men and women who work outside in the construction industry, the weather plays a huge role in job safety. Dressing for the weather, as well as being prepared for injuries caused by extreme temperatures, is an integral part of worksite safety.
Summer’s Arrival in New Jersey Means Construction Workers Must Be Prepared
Construction is a physically grueling job. Not only are individuals in this field exposed to dangerous equipment, heights, and chemicals, but they are also exposed to the elements—and in New Jersey, this could mean freezing cold or intense heat.
OSHA has long been aware of the dangers of construction work in summer temperatures, but there are no hard and fast rules for work in heat and humidity. Many employers may push workers past the limits recommended by OSHA, and many more may simply be unaware of exactly how much is too much when it comes to heat exposure.
Not only are heat-related illnesses and injuries incredibly dangerous on their own, but they can also lead to other mistakes and accidents on an already risky job site. OSHA recommends that the following four measures be made a priority on construction sites in hot summer months in order to promote worker health and safety:
- Ensure that water, rest, and shade are made readily available to workers throughout their shift
- Employees and supervisors should be trained to prevent heat-related injuries and illnesses
- Employees should recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and be monitored regularly for these signs and symptoms
- Emergency treatment and response plans for heat-related injuries should be in place during warmer months
If you suffered from a heat-related illness on your construction site, you may be eligible for compensation. Reach out to my firm by phone or by live chat today to discuss your case in a free consultation.
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