Roofing Contractors Keep Working in Peak Season Despite Sharp Spikes in Temperature
Courtesy of: RoofingContractor.com
Roofing contractors looking for any semblance of a “normal” summer season can’t seem to catch a break. As they geared up for a busy summer, after a spring slowdown spurred by the coronavirus outbreak, spikes in the potentially-deadly disease threatened a second wave of shutdowns in states with robust construction markets.
Along with those increases, roofers also dealt with record heat. Triple digits were not uncommon in parts of the Deep South and Southwest, and high humidity in many areas made it worse. At one point last month, more than 70 million Americans from the shores of the Gulf Coast to the hills of the Mid-Atlantic were under excessive heat advisories, and August has been hotter than average on both coasts.
When protecting workers during the heat, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) suggests the following:
• Water, rest, shade. Workers should drink water every 15 minutes and take frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
• Check the heat index. A rule of thumb is that workers need extra protection when the heat index is 80 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
• Know the symptoms. Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include fatigue, thirst, heavy sweating, slurred speech, dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness and seizures.
Heat vs. COVID-19 Protection
The issue many roofing contractors are experiencing comes from trying to adhere to standard heat protocols while protecting against COVID-19 with face masks. In some states such as Washington, wearing a mask is mandatory to help prevent the spread of the virus. Mandatory face coverings can be anything from a bandana to a cloth mask, though contractors can also utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) like N95 masks and respirators.
Studies have shown that, even when wearing PPE, people experienced raised body temperatures and felt warmer.
COVID-19 is also hampering water intake, as contractors hesitate to frequently remove face masks to take a drink. Some employers are even eliminating communal aspects like water stations to maintain social distancing.
This puts contractors in a tough bind, forcing them to choose between protecting against the heat versus COVID-19.
Here at Wayne’s Roofing we are doing everything to keep our team cool and protected. Taking every safety measure we can to protect again over heating and dehydration. As an essential business we have remained committed to our customers and partners, and thank our devoted employees for their personal commitment as well.