Keeping your cool in a heatwave!

Summer has finally arrived and June was certainly a scorcher!!

Although its cooler at the moment the higher temperatures may return, and if it does some people may start to struggle.

Remember you won't be alone...

Affecting Performance.

Extreme weather conditions can take a toll on us both physically but, according to some research, it can affect how we think too. While its well-known that extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves, can negatively impact physical health, especially for the vulnerable (the old or young) or those with a disability, such studies have suggested that, regardless of your age, high temperatures can affect cognitive abilities as well. Research results suggest that heat slows down the brain by 13%!

This can have a major impact on workers and on the organisation itself. Inaccuracies in figure work, poor decision making and lack of concentration, particularly when operating machinery/ plant, or when driving a vehicle, can all have disastrous results!

Protecting against the sun.

Making your staff aware of the dangers of sun exposure is vital - but extreme temperatures may require additional measures. So it is essential to ensure you have made adequate provision to protect your workers, especially those who operate outdoors, and to check that what you have in place, is working.

Sunlight can cause burning, blistering and aging of the skin, plus sunstroke, often a cause of staff absence in the summer months. Here are some simple tips to help protect your workers:

• Keep Hydrated Ensuring staff have ready access to drinking water, to prevent dehydration. This is when more fluid is lost than is taking in, upsetting the mineral balance of the body so it cannot function as normal. Left unchecked, this may lead to kidney stones, constipation, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
• Clothing is our first line of defence against the sun's harmful UV rays and protects us by blocking much of this radiation. The more skin you cover, the better. Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers provide the best protection. A collar will protect the skin on the back of the neck.
• A hat will help keep the sun off the face, neck and ears, and protect bald spots. If a lot of bending is required, have a flap on the back of the hat, which will keep the sun off the back of the neck. 
• Protect your eyes. Be sure to wear sunglasses or safety glasses that filter out UV rays. Larger frames provide more coverage for your face, and wraparound styles provide greater peripheral shade.
• Sunscreen Use an SPF 15 or higher water-resistant sunscreen before going outdoors and reapply every two hours. If sweating freely, reapply more often. 

Some substances increase the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. These include industrial chemicals such as asphalt and diphenyls, and some medications. A water-resistant sunscreen will help give protection when there is likely to be skin contact with these substances. Also, ultraviolet radiation bounces off water, sand, concrete and light-coloured surfaces. People who work near these areas will need to take extra care.

• Shade Outside jobs can sometimes be done inside or moved to a shady location. A temporary shelter can be erected, or trees and buildings used for protection. Re-organise the job so tasks requiring outdoor work get done in the morning before 10 am and after 4 pm to avoid the hours of greatest sun intensity. Take plenty of breaks in the shade. 
• Check skin regularly for unusual spots or moles that change size, shape or colour. While workers of all ethnic backgrounds should be careful, most at risk are those with a pale skin, with fair or red hair.

Protect against heat stress.

It is equally important to take precautions against heat stress. This occurs when the body is unable to control its internal temperature. Typical symptoms of heat stress include heat rashes, nausea, fainting, muscle cramps, extreme fatigue and headaches. Heat-stroke is the most severe effect and can result in death if not treated early. 

A way to help avoid heat stress is to ensure workers are properly hydrated. Remember - feeling thirsty means the body is already starting to dehydrate. As a guideline, the Food Standard Agency recommends drinking 1 / 2 litres of water every day. When being physically active or in hot weather, this should be increased to up to 1 litre of water per hour. 

Employers are responsible for supplying water free from contamination. There should be adequate supplies and taps and containers should be clearly and correctly labelled as drinking water.

Summer Allergies.

Although many of us can suffer from the effects of summer allergies, and for some the reaction can be severe. When surveyed, it was found that more than half of city-based workers questioned, blamed hay-fever for affecting their concentration and performance at work. About a third of sufferers found their hay-fever symptoms as debilitating as flu. Lost productivity due to hay-fever in the UK has been estimated as much as £7 billion per year. 

Hot Weather Tips.

Although hot weather can diminish the appetite it is still important to eat at regular intervals. Not eating properly can intensify health-related problems. Focus on cold food such as salads and fruit, as these have the additional benefit of containing water. 

A relaxation of the dress code is beneficial as staff are more likely to be able to keep active if they dress comfortably and are not restricted by tight clothing. 

Taking the right precautions and allowing staff more "down time" to help them recover from extreme heat will not only help maintain productivity but will ensure your staff remain fit and healthy - and able to enjoy the long hot summer days!