Heat Safety: What to Wear and Eat in the Heat

The summer is almost halfway over (hang in there, Arizona)! Team PPC is no stranger to hard work, and we know how tough it can be to work outside when the temperatures are above 100 degrees. Team PPC is also no stranger to safety, so we already have a good grasp on how to stay safe when working on the face of the sun. However, a couple of important reminders never hurt anyone! Below, we’ll remind you of how to dress and eat smart when working in the summer heat.

What to Wear

• Loose-Fitting Clothes: Remember to wear loose-fitting clothes that are made out of organic fibers. Organic fibers, like cotton, breathe easily to help keep you cool.
• Long sleeves/pants: Both long sleeve shirts and long pants should be worn in order to protect your skin from the summer sun.
• Sunscreen: If not in long sleeves and pants, sunscreen is your best friend. Sunscreen with an SPF over 30 is best for optimal protection.
• Wear a Hat: To top off your summer-tastic outfit, wear a wide-brimmed hat. A Wide brimmed hat provides more protection than a regular baseball hat, as it will provide shade for your neck, eyes, ears, nose, forehead, and scalp.
• Tuck in Pants: This tip goes for all of our team members up in the Northwest. Tuck in your long pants to your boots or socks to help prevent bugs (mosquitoes, mainly) from getting under your clothes, which will lead to an increase in bites.

What to Eat and Drink

• Water: It goes without saying, but we’re going to say it anyway: drink water. When working outside whether at work or at home, remember to always, always stay hydrated. Drinking small amounts of water throughout the day will help your body stay hydrated. When you feel thirsty, it is already too late in terms of staying hydrated. By the time your body alarms you that you’re thirsty, you are already running low on fluids.
• No Caffeine or Sugar: Avoid caffeine as it will dehydrate your body–opposite of what is best. High amounts of sugar is also a no-no when trying to stay hydrated and safe working outside.
• Small Meals: When working, be sure to eat small meals throughout the day. Frequent meal breaks will help keep your energy up, but you don’t want to fill up too much all at once, as that will slow you down. A large meal will also send all of your blood to work on digestion, instead of helping to circulate oxygen around your body.

We know Team PPC practices superior safety when working in this summer heat, but we just wanted to be sure to remind everyone of some summertime best practices! Stay safe out there, and stay cool!