CONSTRUCTION WORKER SUMMER SAFETYTips on Preventing Workers’ Comp Claims

JEFF HECHTPayroll & PEO Expertjhecht@sourceonepartners.com

CONSTRUCTION SITE DANGERSConstruction work has one of the highest rates of illness and injury, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Dangers of construction work include:Working in high places.Working with hazardous and/or dangerous materials.Physically-demanding work.Dealing with all weather conditions.

Outdoor laborers are susceptible to heat-related illnesses, especially in summer.

Heat Rash Heat Cramps Heat Syncope dizziness or

fainting

Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke

TYPES OF HEAT STRESS

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Heat syncope and heat exhaustion are warning signs of heat stroke and should be taken seriously.

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SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTIONAnyone experiencing signs of heat exhaustion should be allowed to rest in the shade and rehydrate with water or a sports drink.

Nausea

Shallow breathing

Extreme fatigue

Heavy sweating

Dizziness

Fainting

SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKEIf a worker is experiencing signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately and notify a supervisor. Move the worker to the shade and drench him or her with cool water until help arrives.

High body temperature

Skin that’s both hot and dry to the touch

Profuse sweating

Slurred speech

Confusion

Dizziness

Throbbing headache

Body chills

Hallucinations

HOW TO AVOID HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES

COMPANIESAllow new workers to acclimate slowly by working shorter shifts until they become used to it.Provide cool, shaded areas on construction sites.Make cool water and opportunities to rest available to workers.Provide proper training on the signs of heat stress, prevention and treatment.

EMPLOYEESDrink water every 15 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty.Wear a hat and light-colored clothing to protect from sun exposure.Keep an eye on fellow workers that may be experiencing signs of trouble.

KEEPING WORKERS’ COMP COSTS DOWNThe best way to avoid increases in Workers’ Compensation rates is to avoid claims. Follow the guidelines provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to keep workers safe. Provide the proper training to workers. Comply with local and state laws.

If you are in need of workers’ comp or want to lower your rates, contact SourceOne Partners for a free quote.

ABOUT SOURCEONE PARTNERSSourceOne Partners is a leader in the professional employer organization (PEO) and payroll industry. We work with small businesses, P&C brokers, payroll reps, CPAs and others to provide consulting services on a variety of outsourced business services, including human resources, payroll, employee benefits, workers’ compensation and more.

Call 561-674-0748 for a free PEO or payroll quote today or visit sourceonepartners.com.