Yes, the guy in this photo looks comfortable, and we hope he caught your attention. But there’s nothing funny about the heat wave hitting much of the country and its potential effect on construction workers.

Consider these facts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

• Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year, more than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined.

• More than 1,250 people died during the heat wave of 1980, and more than 700 Chicago–area residents died in the heat wave of 1995. In August 2003, a record heat wave in Europe claimed an estimated 50,000 lives.

Heat Safety Tips

The NOAA offers the following advise for staying safe in the heat. You’ll need to decide how to implement them on the job:

Slow down — Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day.

Dress for summer — Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.

Put less fuel on your inner fires — Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.

Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids — Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, (2) are on fluid restrictive diets or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

Spend more time in air-conditioned places — Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.

Don’t get too much sun — Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.

Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician

Heat Disorder Symptoms

• SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases, may include swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches. First Aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.

• HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms, usually in muscles of legs and abdomen. Heavy sweating. First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.

• HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal body temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. First Aid: Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

• HEAT STROKE (Sunstroke): High body temperature (106° F or higher). Hot, dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First Aid: HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY. SUMMON EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET THE VICTIM TO A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. DELAY CAN BE FATAL. Move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.

And don’t forget that pets are susceptible to the heat, too. Provide them with a cool place, as well as plenty of water in containers that they cannot easily spill.