Between drought, tropical storms, flooding and heat waves, summer 2016 is already setting records, and the halfway point is still weeks away.
The contiguous U.S. experienced the hottest June on record with an average temperature of 71.8 degrees F. Year to date, this season is the third hottest on record, according to scientists for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
With July in full swing, cooler temperatures seem to be nowhere in sight with forecasters predicting temperatures across the nation in excess of 90 degrees F in the month’s third week.
Working in direct sunlight can add up to 15 degrees to the heat index, according to OSHA. In addition to heat illnesses, outdoor workers are at high risk for sunburns and skin cancer. A prevention program as well as continued worker education and training should be top priority.
Here are five common items workers or anyone spending time outdoors should have on hand to protect themselves against heat and sun exposure.