At DP Electric, the health and safety of our employees is our top priority. As we get further into the summer months, temperatures continue to rise, creating more risks for heat related illnesses. Recognizing the risks that come along with the heat is the first step to preventing illnesses this summer.  By addressing these risks, we hope to ensure that our team remains healthy and safe throughout the summer.

Key Measures to Preventing Heat Illness:

1. Training – All employees are required to be educated on the signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses, emergency responses for each, the importance of reporting mild symptoms, and how to properly prevent each heat-related illness.
2. Hydrating – Hydrating is the first step to preventing heat-illnesses. Water must be fresh, clean, and suitably cool. Some sites may have hydration stations where workers can replenish their water jugs, as well as have a place to stay cool.
3. Shade – Having shaded spots in close proximity to all workers is required on all jobsites and must be strong enough to cool employees down.
4. Acclimatization – The acclimatization procedure requires gradual exposure that gives the employees time to adjust to each level of exposure. This procedure is essential to new employees, but also necessary for all employees when temperatures significantly change.
5. Detection and Response – Knowing how to detect the different types of heat illnesses and how to properly care for each illness is required from all DPE safety professionals. Some common sign/symptoms include:
   1. Cramps
   2. Rapid, weak pulse
   3. Heavy sweating
   4. Dizziness
   5. Extreme weakness
   6. Fainting
   7. Irritability
   8. Nausea or vomiting
   9. Confusion
6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – To best prevent heat illnesses employees should choose to wear clothing that is reflective, light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting, and breathable. Covering all exposed parts of the body is also found to be helpful.

DP Electric firmly believes that protecting the health and safety of our employees is everyone’s responsibility.

“During the summer heat, proper hydration is our first line of defense against heat-related illnesses. As electrical contractors, we’re often exposed to extreme conditions that can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Let’s commit to keeping ourselves and each other safe by staying hydrated every day on the job. – Safety Director, Kevin Lopez.