Measures during hot days for housekeepers:
-
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks (alcohol is prohibited at work).
-
Bring a bottle or drinking flask: You can always fill the bottle with tap water, which is both tasty and good for the environment.
-
Eat light meals.
-
Wear suitable clothing: Choose light, breathable, and loose-fitting clothing, preferably made of cotton and in light colors. Always make sure to wear suitable footwear.
-
Open the windows and doors in the morning. Fresh air is worth its weight in gold on hot days. Do you have a fan or air conditioner? Point it toward the room, not directly at yourself. It’s best not to set the air conditioner too cold.
-
Limit heat-producing tasks: Try to limit working with heat-producing appliances such as irons, or do them early in the morning.
-
When you go from indoors to outdoors or the other way around, give your eyes a moment to adjust to the change in brightness. Your eyes need about 20 to 30 minutes to fully adapt when going from bright light to darkness. From dark to light, it only takes about 5 minutes.
In the context of safe and healthy work, it is important to discuss with clients which tasks are performed depending on the temperature. In consultation with the client and the office manager, it may be decided to start earlier at the client’s home (if possible, as early as 6 a.m.). Remember: the client must agree to this, and the office manager must also be involved in this consultation.
Do you commute to work by bike?
- Leave a little earlier and cycle at a slower pace.
- Make sure to protect yourself with sunscreen and, if possible, wear a breathable, light-coloured head covering. Ideally, choose a ventilated, light-coloured cycling helmet.
- Don’t forget your sunglasses either — not only to avoid being blinded by the sun, but also to protect your eyes from UV rays.
Are you feeling unwell because of the heat?
Are you feeling unwell because of the heat? If so, watch for these symptoms: headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, confusion, suddenly making a lot of mistakes, excessive sweating, disorientation, or difficulty speaking.
What should you do?
- Take a short break and place a wet towel on your neck and wrists—repeat this as needed.
- Lie down on the floor with your feet flat and your knees raised.
We ask the clients:
- Make sure your housekeeper can keep their water cool, or provide water if needed.
- Cool the space with ventilation or air conditioning if possible. If the windows can be shaded with blinds or shutters, that’s also a good way to keep the heat outside.
- Try to avoid exposure to extreme heat. Tasks like washing windows in full sun or cleaning verandas or attics are best scheduled during the cooler hours of the day, or postponed to a later time if possible.
- If you can, offer the option to start work earlier.