First VAA Health & Safety Committee Meeting Held
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VAA has created a new health and safety committee in response to member requests for a forum where health and safety practices and issues can be discussed on an ongoing basis with other member companies and industry professionals. The group met for the first time on Tuesday, June 26 to discuss the goals for the committee and to elect a chairperson who will help manage the future direction of the group. Thanks to Mac McWane of Boxley for taking over the role of committee chair!
Attendees at the kickoff meeting discussed their enthusiasm for the opportunity to cross-pollinate ideas, learn what others are doing, break barriers in communication and discuss lessons learned in the areas of safety and health. The committee is open to anyone who would like to join and will meet twice per year around other VAA events. If you are interested in becoming a part of this group, please contact VAA liaison Carter Iseman at ciseman@vaaasphalt.com or watch this newsletter for notice of upcoming meetings or committee events.
The next meeting is scheduled for December 6, 2018 at the Virginia Asphalt Conference and Expo. Save this date. More information will be sent closer to the meeting to individuals who have expressed interest in joining the group.Health and Safety Tips of the Month
With heat and humidity levels consistently nearing dangerous 3-digit numbers this summer, please remember to hydrate early and often and wear clothing made of wicking fabric that will allow the body to breathe.
Also, while an AC blowing cold air is every man’s best friend on a hot summer day, be careful about climbing into the cool cab of a running truck during break time when heat exhaustion or heat stroke are not of any concern. On a very hot day when one has been working outside in the heat, moving into an air conditioned environment can feel wonderful, but it can cause the body to cool off too quickly, thus setting the stage for a shock to the system when the break is over and a return to the stifling heat is required. Instead, find an area with some shade and take the opportunity to get out of the hot sun. The body can cool off slowly, thus reducing the risk of heat exhaustion or, even worse, heat stroke.
Important: If heat exhaustion or heat stroke are suspected, immediately seek a cooler environment for the individual at risk to prevent escalated illness (see above graphic).
