Construction Professional Paulo Deassuncao Encourages Heat Safety Training

PHILADELPHIA, PA, June 17, 2013 (Press-News.org) Paulo Deassuncao has spent over 25 years working in the construction industry. Over this time, he has developed an understanding of key safety best practices--and has built an appreciation for how these practices can keep professionals safe. With summer quickly approaching, Deassuncao is calling for companies within the construction industry to properly train their employees regarding heat safety.

According to an article published by OnlineAthens.com, the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is holding a one-hour safety stand-down in several states. During this hour, "Workers participating will stop work and conduct safety training on how to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to prevent them."

The article explains that, per research conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, thousands of workers across the country are impacted by heat-related illnesses each year. Ultimately, if not addressed quickly, these conditions can result in stroke--which causes the death of over 30 professionals on an annual basis.

Teresa Harrison, who is the acting regional administrator in the southeast for OSHA, comments: "This stand-down is intended for all those working in hot weather, such as workers in agriculture, construction, baggage handling, roofing and landscaping, and others who work outdoors. It is the employer's responsibility to protect workers from injury and illness."

While the southeast is the primary focus of this event, Paulo Deassuncao asserts that other areas of the country are just as affected by the heat of summer--and that they need to pay close attention to safety training best practices.

"Heat is a very dangerous issue in the construction industry," states Deassuncao. "From the engineers who are on site to ensure that things are running smoothly to the professionals who are putting together key structures or hauling materials to the work site, all of the individuals involved in this industry need to be trained regarding heat safety. Without this training, professionals can find themselves unable to take care of one another when a team member becomes overheated or suffers from heatstroke. In the case of these conditions, addressing the issue as promptly as possible is essential, so it is important that all construction professionals are well-trained with this regard."

Deassuncao encourages companies to institute heat safety training requirements for all workers who function in the field. He believes that annual workshops based upon this particular topic could prove successful in helping professionals to prevent heat-related illnesses and, when they do occur, to address them properly. Paulo Deassuncao applauds the efforts of organizations that are already working to train their professionals in order to keep them safe this summer.

ABOUT:

Paulo Deassuncao is an award-winning professional who has led a career of 25 years in the construction industry. With a degree in civil engineering, Deassuncao has applied his love of design, science, and math to the property development and building field. Over the course of his career, he has found success as a team leader, having trained extensively to learn new skills and certifications to become a multi-faceted contributor to the companies he has worked with. Today, Deassuncao serves as a project superintendent for a notable building company in Texas.