On Thursday, July 27, 2017, hardworking construction professionals in Philadelphia received respite from the summer heat, thanks to the General Building Contractors Association (GBCA), the commercial construction association of Greater Philadelphia, and Med-Tex Services, Inc., which provides safety and health services to the construction industry. GBCA and Med-Tex Services, Inc. visited several job sites across the city in a “blitz” fashion via the GBCA Safety Van to hand-deliver hydration, sunblock and heat prevention materials to workers. Inspired by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) “Water. Rest. Shade.” campaign to keep workers safe in the heat, GBCA and Med-Tex Services, Inc. are drawing attention to the importance of heat illness prevention and helping to ensure workers stay safe. With Philadelphia currently experiencing a boom in construction, now more than ever, there is a need for construction safety awareness. Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in extreme heat or humid conditions. There are a range of heat illnesses, and they can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition.
