How To Beat The Heat During Construction

Working with heavy equipment is sweaty, tiring work on a normal day and it gets even more draining on a hot day. No matter how fit you are, the heat will affect you and it’s best to be prepared for it by taking some appropriate steps. Always make your health a priority, no matter what the weather is like!

At RECO Equipment, we know that a whole lot of hardworking folks don’t spend the summer days relaxing inside in air-conditioned comfort. For those who work in high temperatures, we’ve put together this guide to help you stay cool. For more information or to check out some great heavy machinery and equipment, head to one of our locations in Ohio, Indiana or western Pennsylvania.

Stay Hydrated

You’ve heard it before, but we’ll say it again because it’s important: drink fluids! Your body needs to replenish the water its losing when you sweat. Thirst isn’t an indicator of low water level on a hot day, it’s more likely a sign of dehydration. Every 15-20 minutes, you should drink water or a non-caffeinated electrolyte drink to refresh yourself. If you’re the forgetful sort, you can install an app to remind you to drink water. If you don’t like to drink water, try adding flavor to it by putting a lemon slice in it.

Dress For Success

While working with heavy equipment in the sun, you might want to wear clothes with little coverage to feel lighter, but you should protect your skin from the sun’s rays. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothes that cover most of your skin. Avoid tight synthetic clothes as they don’t let your skin breathe. Make sure you apply sunscreen to all exposed parts of your limbs, face and neck. Wear a hat if possible and protective sunglasses to avoid straining your eyes. Remember that lighter colors absorb less heat!

Moderate Your Activity

Working with heavy machinery is a tiring job on hot days, so pace yourself. Keep in mind that it gets hotter in the afternoons and also as summer progresses. Use this knowledge to plan out your activities. For example, do the most strenuous activities during the coolest times of the day. If there’s a particularly tiring task you have to finish, maybe do it before peak summer days start or after they’re over. Remember: your body takes time to adjust to the heat, so don’t take on the hottest work after stepping out of an air-conditioned environment.

Eat Right

While we’d never suggest making junk food a regular part of your diet, we all indulge in unhealthy eating habits from time to time. That can be fine on regular days, but you should avoid junk food on hot days as their fat and preservatives aren’t good for you. Eat a hearty breakfast so you can have a lighter lunch that consists of healthy options like salads, vegetables and fruits. That way, you can work with heavy equipment better during the day. Food helps your body to recover from the heat, so don’t skip meals!

Be Watchful

You might feel uncomfortable sweating, but sweat is a natural result of working with heavy equipment on a hot day. It’s when you suddenly stop sweating that can be a problem, as it’s one of the signs of heatstroke. Keep yourself cool by splashing water on yourself. Notice the signs of heat exhaustion in your or your coworkers and immediately go to a cooler area if it happens. Some of the signs are goosebumps, dizziness, rapid pulse and cramps. If heatstroke sets in, immediate medical attention is required.

We hope these tips help you stay cooler while working with heavy machinery and equipment during the summer. For more information, come to RECO Equipment and have a chat with our helpful staff. You can also have a look at our wide collection of heavy machinery while you’re there. If you’re looking for heavy equipment for sale in Ohio, Indiana and western Pennsylvania, call or come over today!