Working in the heat 105

Question

I'm just curious if anyone knows if there is a particular amount of time or anything like that regarding working in 105 degree heat? My employer is requiring me to work 10 hrs a day in the hot sun out on a concrete parking lot (automotive business) I feel like I'm dying out there and even though i wear light clothes and keep myself covered with sun screen I'm still getting burt to a crispy marshmallow. I'm allowed to take a break every now and then but they watch like a hawk and i don't want to be the lazy one and wind up getting a chewing out because of it. This is a new job and i did tell them i could work in all weather conditions but man i didn't expect it to be like this LOL

Answer 1

I worked in corn fields in that heat,

PLUS rain!

Add the corn rash, and that makes for a truly uncomfortable job.

Be happy you're not detasseling.

Answer 2

Drink a ton of water or gatorade, stay hydrated.  Try to stand in the shade whenever possible.

Answer 3

i did it once just drink lots of water

Answer 4

I don't think it's healthy for anyone to work outside or under any conditions where the temperature is over 90, much less over 100.  Our bodies are only made to tolerate a certain amount of exertion in extreme heat.  Of course if you work outside, the longer you do so, you will build up a better tolerance than those who work in air-conditioned buildings.  You just have to do some things to make sure you are protected from illness as heat stress and heat exhaustion are nothing to mess around with.  



One thing to look for online or on the news that morning or the night before is what the humidity level will be for the next day. Just because the temp says 105, the heat index could be higher, so you might have to take greater precautions. Sometimes the weatherman will indicate the heat index, based on humidity, it depends on what station you watch.  We also have issues with air quality in the summer which can be an added problem for you if you are outside for excessive periods.

Another thing to consider, I'm not sure if you are wearing them is something to protect your eyes to include the peripheral view from sun. I know they make the wrap around type sun shades that are light weight, flexible, and perfect for outdoors. I think they are called cyclist sunglasses.  And because their stylish, they can be worn anywhere and people don't have to know you bought them for work. But your eyes should be protected from the sun from all sides.

As far as hydration, you want to keep your body balanced 24/7 so make sure you are drinking substantial fluids during the day, but also during your off hours to make sure that your body is consistently hydrated and that you are replenishing the extra fluids you lose during the day.  

Take a big water cooler to work and pack 12 to 24 16 oz water bottles. Be careful not to use Gatorade as a water replacement, but as as supplement.  It contains sodium and it will make you thirsty, which is a good thing, but you don't want to drink it solely as your only source of fluids during your day.  

Consider getting some of those neck coolers and/or head coolers.  They have tiny ice packs that you can re-cool in your portable water cooler and swap out during the day so that you can keep your body temp down in the the heat. You need to make sure to keep your core body temperature down. This will help you avoid heat stress and heat exhaustion. You will probably be less tired and perform better overall if you can maintain a lower body temperature when you work in such hot conditions. Maybe if your boss sees that you're trying to work smarter, you'll score some points.

I included a link to a website, probably supported by Gatorade, but it has some really great info about people who work in the outdoor industry and how they deal with heat stress. You should look for warning signs as that can hit you unexpectedly.

I also included a link to that website that has the neck and head coolers. I think they would be good investments, if you plan on working the job through the summer, or even for the long term. They will also, be good for when you work outside around the house, or attend sporting events, etc. in the heat.

Lastly, I included a link to a site with a picture of the style of sunglasses I mentioned. This site is a little expensive, but I just wanted you to see the style. You can get them anywhere, for far less.  

Good luck and try to stay cool in this heat. I feel for you. ~J~