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Safety Saturday: Heat-Related Illnesses

July 23, 2022

According to the National Weather Service, excessive heat warnings and heat advisories are currently in effect throughout 28 states, including Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. 

Exposure to heat can cause illness and death. There are precautions that should be taken any time temperatures are high and the job involves outdoor, physical work. 


With these scorching temperatures, it is vitally important to be aware of the symptoms of heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat-related illnesses may initially manifest as a rash or cramps but can quickly escalate to heat exhaustion and heat stroke if simple preventative measures are not followed.


Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:

  • Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting
  • Weakness and cool, pale, clammy skin
  • Mood changes, irritability, confusion
  • Nausea, vomiting


Symptoms of Heat Stroke:

  • Dry, hot skin with no sweating
  • Mental confusion or loss of consciousness
  • Seizures or convulsions


Hot summer months pose special hazards for outdoor workers


Construction workers are also prone to heat stress in various high temperature settings, such as on rooftops or in open excavation sites which may lack air movement. Additionally, outdoor workers in agriculture, lawn maintenance, and personnel handling utility projects or road work such as laying asphalt are other examples of those exposed to heat stress.


Prevention is the best way to avoid heat-related illness


The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that employers have a plan in place to prevent heat-related illnesses. The plan should include hydration (drinking plenty of water), acclimatization (getting used to weather conditions), and schedules that alternate work with rest.


OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) also suggests wearing lightweight, light colored, loose- fitting clothes, blocking out direct sun and taking frequent breaks in the shade or indoors where there is air conditioning.


Employers should also educate workers about the hazards of working in hot conditions.


Deaths attributed to natural heat exposure represent a continuing public health concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an annual average of 702 heat-related deaths in the United States. During the summer, we must all take precautions to ensure our bodies don’t get over heated. Preparedness and response initiatives that limit exposure during periods of extreme heat can reduce the rate of fatalities.

Vogt Engineering Celebrates National Bike Month

By Tiffany Marascio • May 17, 2024
May is National Bike Month, but Vogt Engineering celebrates and encourages biking all year. Our team enjoys using our office bikes to get out and experience nature, taking advantage of our central location in The Woodlands Town Center. About National Bike Month National Bike Month, after many previous iterations, was officially established in 1956. Today, National Bike Month is sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists , which incorporates accessible ways to start biking by hosting smaller experiences such as National Bike to Work Week (usually held the third week of May), and Bike to Work Day (usually that Friday). Health Benefits According to the Harvard School of Public Health , biking can help “improve mental health by lowering stress levels and stimulating feel-good endorphins.” Other health benefits include: improved cardiovascular fitness stronger muscles greater coordination and general mobility reduced body fat Vogt's Commitment to our Team and the Environment One of Vogt Engineering’s major considerations when looking for an office was easily accessible trails for riding bikes and walking. We are fortunate to have found a great place to be with our great team of people. Not only is biking and being outdoors good for mental and physical health, but we value working with the environment in everything we do. Although many civil engineering projects require earth movement, Vogt is committed to finding solutions that complement the natural surroundings of the site. Get Involved There are many local entities that organize Bike Month events, including The Woodlands, Harris County Precinct 3 (at Burroughs Park), and more.

Vogt Engineering Supports Pride Month

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June 8, 2023
The industrial truck manufacturing sector has been an important and active part of the American economy for 100 years. Texas is a state where industrial truck firms have generated one of the highest economic impacts, nearly $2.7 Billion. We can continue to be safe and free from injury by following these tips and by encouraging workers to stay abreast of forklift operator training.
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