If you work outdoors, it is important that you prepare yourself properly as the seasons change. The weather impacts your comfort and safety and unfortunately, you can’t ignore it. When you’re working outside in the fall with minimal jobsite heating, there are many ways you can prepare yourself so that you stay healthy and successful. Take some time to set yourself up and you’ll be much more comfortable while you’re working.
Dress Appropriately for the Weather
As it gets colder, you’ll need to bundle up. The best way to do this is to dress in layers. Not only will this trap your body heat and keep you warmer than one thick shirt, but it will also make it easier to stay comfortable if the weather warms up and you want to take a couple of those layers off. Don’t forget your hat as well. You need to keep your head warm when working in the cold. Jobsite heating might not be available, so it is important that you keep yourself warm.
Stay Hydrated
Make sure that you drink plenty of water while you’re working. This will ensure that your body is well-hydrated and able to handle changes to temperature. A healthy body gives you a good foundation when dealing with less-than-ideal situations. Staying hydrated will also help keep your muscles flexible and soft, reducing the risk of pulling or other potential muscle injuries that can result in you missing work for a while.
Don’t Drink Alcohol Onsite
You shouldn’t drink on the job anyway, but this can have a direct impact on your health in colder weather. When you drink, your body might feel warmer than it actually is due to the alcohol. If you think you’re hot, you might take off some of the clothes that are keeping you warm and put yourself at risk of hypothermia. If your internal temperature drops below 95 degrees, you can develop hypothermia and end up in the hospital. Alcohol might mask some of the other symptoms, making you even more susceptible.
Unless you know what your jobsite heating situation will be, you need to prepare to be working in the cold during autumn. Dress appropriately and take care of your body in order to stay healthy on the job. Additionally, be sure to take advantage of rental heaters to warm up the jobsite and make it safer.
