Summer Heat Construction Safety

Posted by Steadfast Entities on

Summer brings longer days and ideal conditions for construction projects, but in many parts of the country it can also present significant health and safety challenges for workers. 

High temperatures, intense sunlight, and the physical demands of construction work can pose serious risks for workers who aren’t prepared. Since employee safety is the number one priority for us here at Steadfast, we’ve put together some strategies construction companies can implement to protect their employees during these next hot summer months.

Educate Employees on Heat-Related Illnesses

Knowledge is power, and understanding the symptoms and dangers of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke, is crucial to employee safety. Conduct regular training sessions to educate workers on how to recognize these conditions, the importance of hydration, and the steps to take if they or a coworker start experiencing symptoms.

Implement a Heat Safety Plan

A comprehensive heat safety plan should include guidelines for work-rest cycles, hydration, and monitoring weather conditions. Schedule the most strenuous tasks during the cooler parts of the day, typically early morning or late afternoon. Ensure that workers take regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and encourage employees to look out for one another.

 Provide Adequate Hydration

Dehydration is a major risk during the summer, so make sure you provide your team with plenty of water and encourage them to drink small amounts frequently (rather than just waiting until they feel thirsty). Electrolyte-replenishing beverages can also help maintain the body’s salt balance. Providing coolers of both are a low-cost way to help encourage workers to get the hydration they need. 

Create Shaded and Cool Rest Areas

Designate shaded areas where workers can rest and cool down, and make sure they are using them as needed. If natural shade isn’t available, consider setting up tents, canopies, or portable cooling stations. Cooling towels and misting fans can also provide relief.

Use Protective Clothing and Gear

Encourage workers to wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing to reflect heat and promote ventilation. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF can protect against harmful UV rays. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) that is designed for hot weather, such as ventilated helmets and moisture-wicking fabrics.

Monitor Weather Conditions

Keep a close eye on weather forecasts and heat advisories. Adjust work schedules and plans according to the predicted temperatures and humidity levels. Consider using heat index charts to determine safe working conditions and adjust activities accordingly.

Acclimatize Workers

New and returning workers may need time to adjust to the heat. Implement an acclimatization plan that gradually increases exposure to high temperatures over a week or two. This helps the body adapt to the heat, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Promote a Culture of Safety

Foster an environment where safety is prioritized. Encourage workers to look out for each other and to report any safety concerns. Regularly review and update safety protocols to ensure they remain effective and relevant.

Use Technology

Where possible, leverage technology to monitor worker’s health and safety. There are a wide range of wearable devices that can track vital signs and detect early signs of heat stress. There are also a wide variety of apps and software that can provide real-time updates on weather conditions and send reminders for hydration and breaks.

Emergency Preparedness

Ensure that all workers are trained in first aid and know the procedures for dealing with heat-related emergencies. Keep first aid kits readily available and equip supervisors with the tools and knowledge to respond quickly to any incidents.

Protecting your team from the dangers of summer heat requires a proactive and comprehensive approach. By educating employees, providing adequate resources, and fostering a culture of safety, construction companies can create a safer work environment and maintain productivity throughout the summer months. Implementing these strategies not only safeguards the health and well-being of workers but also demonstrates a commitment to their safety and job satisfaction.

6 Ways to Beat the Heat

Posted by Steadfast Entities on

With temperatures reaching all time highs across the country, many construction teams are trying to keep their workers cool while still moving their projects forward. 

OSHA’s current guidance of rest, hydrate, and shade is only the start to keeping your team safe. Below are 6 simple tips for keeping them cool and protected during the summer months: 

1. Know the Signs of Heat Related Illness

Heat-related illnesses like heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can come on fast, so it’s important to know their signs. Common signs of heat illness include: 

  • Thirst and/or dehydration
  • Fatigue 
  • Excess sweating, or the inability to sweat normally
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Low blood pressure
  • Nervous system dysfunction
  • Cramping or muscle spasms
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fast or shallow breathing
  • Increased heart rate
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Mental confusion

Train your workers to keep a lookout for these signs in themselves and others, and empower them to take action when they notice something’s not right. Always keep a first aid kit and extra water at every job site. 

2. Have Hydration Stations

Hydration is key! Not drinking enough water when carrying out heavy manual labor is one of the quickest ways to dehydrate. 

Make sure your crew members are drinking water or other hydrating fluids like sports drinks, coconut water, or juices every 15-20 minutes, and avoid large amounts of coffee, sodas, and alcohol, which can lead to dehydration. Encourage your team to bring their own beverage containers to fill with water, and have water bottles or a water station on site. 

3. Be the Best Dressed

Make sure your staff are outfitted in proper clothing for their working conditions. Light-colored, loose fitting, and lightweight garments will help keep workers from overheating. 

Moisture wicking clothing is a great option, as this material draws the sweat off the body, keeping you both cool and dry. Natural fibers like cotton will also absorb moisture and are breathable. If it’s in your budget, providing a few company T-shirts to each crew member is a great way to ensure they have the proper attire while showing them you appreciate them being part of your team. 

4. Wear Sunscreen

Similar to wearing the proper clothing, sunscreen will help your team prevent burns, which are painful and make it harder for the body to regulate temperature. Provide a sweat-proof, broad-spectrum sunscreen on your job sites and encourage your staff to reapply frequently.

5. Start Early and Pay Attention

Temperatures usually peak between 3 and 5pm, so if possible, shift your workday to avoid these hours. Also keep an eye on the heat index, which combines relative humidity with air temperature to find the apparent temperature (aka, what it actually feels like outside). You can download OSHA’s Health Safety Mobile App here and it will tell you the apparent temperature, the risk to workers, and suggested measures to protect your team.  

6. Stay Cool

If the air temperature is near or above body temperature (98.6° F), the blood circulated to the surface of your skin is unable to shed heat. 

The body will begin to sweat, but if the humidity is too high and the sweat is unable to evaporate, it can’t leave your body and cool it down. This can lead to overheating. 

To combat this and keep your internal temperature at a safe level, make sure your crews are taking frequent breaks in the shade or in an air conditioned building, trailer, or vehicle. If you can’t provide an air conditioned space, set up portable, circulating fans. Also provide cool water, both for hydration and for staff to wet rags, which they can place on pulse points like the neck, wrists, elbows, and tops of the feet and quickly bring down their internal body temperatures. Cooling vests and neck coolers are also great ways to keep cool and avoid heat related injuries. 

Worker safety should always be top priority, and knowing how to avoid heat-related illness is one of the best ways to keep them going strong. If you need more help over the summer or beyond, Steadfast Entities, LLC is here to help with all of your staffing needs. Contact us today!