Safety Newsletter

Champion Safety Newsletter – August 2024

September 5, 2024
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Avoiding Heat Stress

As sweltering summer weather continues to heat up, it is important to remember that physical activity at elevated temperatures can directly affect your health and indirectly result in an accident. Fatigue, loss of fluids and other conditions can lead to a number of heat-related illnesses and injuries, even death.

Whether you are working through the dog days of August or in a heated area in the dead of winter, it is important to recognize the symptoms of heat stress—and when you are vulnerable to it.

What causes heat stress?

  • Temperature
  • Humidity
  • Air movement
  • Radiant temperature of the surroundings
  • Clothing
  • Physical activity

When are you at risk for heat stress?

  • If you take certain medication (check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacy and ask if any medicines you are taking affect you when working in hot environments)
  • If you have had a heat-induced illness in the past
  • If you wear personal protective equipment, like respirators or suits
  • If you are older

What are the symptoms of heat stress?

  • Shallow breathing
  • Increased breathing rate
  • Weak, rapid pulse
  • Cool, pale, clammy skin
  • Sweating
  • Weakness, fatigue, dizziness
  • Headache and nausea
  • Fainting
  • Muscle cramps

How can you prevent heat stress?

  • Drink plenty of cool water (one small cup every 15-20 minutes)
  • Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing (like cotton)
  • Take breaks away from heat sources or direct sunlight
  • Avoid eating large meals before working in hot environments
  • Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages, these make the body lose water and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses

Preventing heat stress is a matter of controlling the factors that cause it. Always take precaution—and if you work alone in a hot environment, develop a “buddy system” so someone will check in on you periodically.

Stay hydrated. Stay alert. Stay safe.

And thank you for all you do at Champion.

Crew of the Month

Pilgrim Nuclear Station Decommissioning

On August 7, 2024, Joe DeMello and the Tony Mercados crew were working at the Pilgrim Nuclear Station. While tying down a Hi-Dot shipment, Joe noticed the vendor-supplied chains showed significant wear. One appeared to have been dragged behind the trailer, eroding several of its links. Another was held together by bent bolts and rivets—and was not safely attached at either end.

Together with Rich Joy and Keith Kyser, Joe demonstrated exceptional accountability and attention to detail. Though it was not the team’s job to inspect the chains, they took it upon themselves to make sure the load was secure for transport—and helped avoid a serious accident.

It is with immense pride and respect that we commend the team for their commitment to safety. They are the perfect example of the standards Champion sets for itself and a critical reminder that safety is everyone’s job.

 

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