Summer can be challenging for construction workers due to the extreme heat, but with the right precautions, it’s possible to stay safe and productive. By following our summer safety tips for construction workers, you can mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures and ensure a healthy work environment.
1. Ensure you have the right safety gear
Appropriate safety gear is essential in summer, not just in terms of the classic hazards, such as falling objects and heavy machinery, but also to protect against the sun and heat.
Personal protective equipment that can help maintain safe body temperatures and prevent injuries includes:
- Cooling vests
- Long sleeved clothing
- Hats
- UV-protective goggles
Don’t forget plenty of sunscreen too. Remember, sunscreen must be reapplied every 2 hours to be effective and should protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Top summer safety tip: Lightweight garments will provide breathability rather than trapping heat against your skin. You can get burnt even through clothing, so in summer wear clothes with a denser weave or ideally ones designed to block the sun.
2. Create a Heat Stress Prevention Plan
An essential summer safety tip for construction workers is to create a heat stress prevention plan, which includes extra rest periods for a productive day.
Scheduling frequent breaks will make the day’s work more sustainable for everyone. A shaded rest area will ensure construction workers can cool down and rest safely when needed and then return to work. This prevents overheating and needing extra time to recover in the hot summer weather.
Acclimatise new construction workers to the heat gradually, by increasing heat exposure over a period of 1-2 weeks.
Top summer safety tip: If possible, aim to schedule the most intensive outdoor labour during the cooler hours of the early morning or evening.
3. Plan an effective hydration strategy
Particularly due to the physical nature of construction work, staying hydrated throughout the workday is vital. As you sweat, your body loses electrolytes, so it is important to replace these for overall health and performance. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to have a drink.
Although soft drinks and caffeine can be popular choices in the construction industry, these can contribute to dehydration. Pure water is best – 2 litres per day, at least!
Top summer safety tip: Monitor urine colour for safety in summer: if it turns dark, this is an indicator of dehydration.
4. Know how to identify signs of heat-related illnesses
Heat-related illnesses can creep up on construction workers, especially when everyone is working hard and trying to get the job done in the shortest time. Most people get warning signs before heat exhaustion or sunstroke hits, but might not pay attention. Remaining vigilant for these signs can ensure summer safety:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- High temperature
- Excessive sweating, turning pale, heat rash
- Muscle cramping
- High body temperature
- Excessive thirst
Top summer safety tip: Look out for your colleagues. As part of a construction team, it is vital that everyone keeps an eye on each other. Take note of the signs of heat-related illness and use immediate action if anyone displays signs of distress.
Contact us
At Hollywell we pride ourselves on putting safety first, in the summer and all year round. Contact us today to see how we can help with your next construction or building maintenance project.