N95-Masked Construction Workers in Summer Kansas: Things to Be Aware of

The recent continued heatwave in Kansas has caused roads to buckle from Oklahoma to Minnesota and a dragstrip to cancel races in Kansas. Under such high heat, it would be tough for the Kansas residents to live a normal life, no to mention those construction workers who need to operate beneath the sun.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that N95 masks are 95% effective in blocking airborne particles, including dust, mold, and pollen. These masks have become increasingly popular among construction workers as they wear them to protect themselves from dust while doing their jobs. Thousands of construction workers in cities around the world wear N95 masks to protect themselves from dust and other air pollutants when they’re working outside, but they should be aware of the potential dangers of doing so in the summer. These masks can trap heat against your face and lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke if you don’t take the right precautions in hot weather. Read on to learn how to avoid these problems while wearing N95 masks as a construction worker in the summer months.

Planning Ahead

When a construction worker is wearing an N95 mask, it can become easy to sweat through your clothes and end up feeling uncomfortable throughout your workday. However, there are some things you can do to combat these issues and maintain productivity when working in extreme temperatures. First off, keep an eye on weather reports before heading out to your job site and dress accordingly. Second, adjust what you’re doing based on how you feel – if you get too hot or too cold, take a break and drink water. Finally, invest in lightweight clothing that wicks away moisture from your skin so you don’t overheat. You may not be able to avoid sweating entirely, but taking steps like these will help reduce its effects.

Temperature and Humidity

First, make sure you’re not overheating. The hotter it is outside, the harder your body has to work to stay cool; when that happens, heat buildup can occur under your mask. If you start feeling hot and sweaty or like you’re breathing through a heavy pillow, take off your mask and give yourself a minute or two to adjust. Then put it back on once you feel more comfortable and relaxed again—or switch over to another brand (such as N99) that provides greater airflow.

Ventilation and Air Flow

When you are working in a construction environment, there’s going to be an airflow. It’s important that your mask is designed for that sort of environment, and that you make sure it is secured properly on your face so you don’t get contaminated by blowing debris. Keeping your mask up on your face with a bandana or other means will help keep it from slipping down over your nose and mouth. If you have trouble breathing through your mask, check to see if it is fitted correctly. You should be able to breathe easily through both nose and mouth when wearing a respirator. If not, take off your respirator and adjust its fit before putting it back on again.

Sun Exposure

There’s not a ton you can do about sun exposure other than avoiding it when possible, but it’s important to remember that those bright rays can still get through an N95 mask. On hot days, make sure you’re keeping your face covered as much as possible with a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and pants—and limit your time outside. If you need to wear a respirator for extended periods of time, consider purchasing one with side shields. These shields will help protect your eyes from UV light and glare.