Table of Contents

• Hazards of Summer Construction Work
  • Symptoms of Heat Stroke
  • Signs of Heat Exhaustion
• Summer Construction Safety Tips
  • 1.     Maintain Proper Hydration
  • 2.     Heat Safety
  • 3.     Use Smart Work Schedules
  • 4.     Avoid Sunburn
  • 5.     Wear the Right Clothing
  • 6.     Avoid Rapid Changes in Temperature
  • 7.     Get Enough Rest
• Other Summer Construction Work Hazards to Avoid
  • 1.     Lightning
  • 2.     Insects
  • 3.     Poison Plants

It’s hot out there! While everyone feels the heat, workers in the construction industry during the summer months are more affected than most. Heat is a severe hazard for tradesmen and tradeswomen working in the construction industry in non-climate-controlled environments.

Of all fatal cases of heat illness in the construction industry, 78% occur during the summer months. Because summer is peak construction season, workers typically continue working even on the hottest of days. Be aware of the risks of construction work in the hot sun and high humidity to protect you and your crew.

Hazards of Summer Construction Work

Research from the Center for Construction Research and Training reveals that U.S. construction workers are at high risk of heat-related injury and death. Although construction workers make up only 6% of the total workforce, they account for 36% of all occupational heat-related deaths.

Cement masons are 10 times more likely to die of heat illness than an average construction worker, and roofers have a seven-fold increase in risk. The researchers looked at 25 years’ worth of data and found that these types of deaths have been increasing over time.

The main risks of working construction during the summer months are dehydration, sunburn, and heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It is important to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions can come on quickly and cause harm in a matter of minutes.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious reaction to hot weather exertion. With heat stroke, your body loses the ability to regulate temperature and you are not able to cool off. This is a serious condition that can damage your brain, heart, and kidneys and can lead to death in severe instances.

·       Increased body temperature (up to 104 degrees F or more)

·       Rapid heart rate

·       Shallow breathing

·       Weakness

·       Nausea and vomiting

·       Loss of coordination

·       Confusion and delirium

·       Profuse sweating

·       Hot, dry skin

·       Seizure

·       Coma

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

While heat exhaustion is less severe than heat stroke, it is still dangerous. Like heat stroke, heat exhaustion results in your body losing its ability to regulate temperature properly.

In these cases, the symptoms are less pronounced. This doesn’t mean that you can delay treatment. Untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.

·       Feeling overheated but skin still cool to the touch

·       Increased sweating

·       Dizziness

·       Fatigue

·       Low blood pressure

·       Muscle cramps

·       Nausea

·       Painful headache

In the event a construction worker is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, move the worker to a cool shady area. Remove the outer clothing and use cool water or cooling packs to bring down the body temperature. If possible, encourage them to drink water as able. If the worker does not recover within 15 minutes or their condition worsens, call 911 for more assistance.

Summer Construction Safety Tips

So how do you prevent heat exhaustion, dehydration, or sunstroke? Fortunately, the vast majority of summer construction injuries and deaths are preventable. These summer safety tips for construction workers will help workers to stay hydrated and stay safe from heat-related illness.

1.     Maintain Proper Hydration

Drinking enough water can make all the difference when dealing with very hot working conditions. OSHA recommends drinking cool water, making sure your intake is at least one cup (8 ounces) of water every 20 minutes. You should be drinking this much even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Beverages containing electrolytes such as sports drinks are beneficial, but you should avoid soda, energy drinks, and other sugary drinks. Water and sports drinks should be kept cool and made readily available at all times during the work day.

2.     Heat Safety

According to OSHA, up to 70% of heat-related fatalities occur within the first few days of working in a hot and humid environment. Your body needs a few days to acclimate to hotter conditions. This allows you to build up a better tolerance to the heat. Throughout the course of a project, construction sites should have plenty of shady areas for breaks.

3.     Use Smart Work Schedules

If possible, work hours should be scheduled outside of peak hours of the heat, which is typically from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. An early start to the work day will cut down on the number of work hours during the hottest part of the day.

4.     Avoid Sunburn

Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more at the beginning of your work day and at each break. Choose a safety helmet with a brim. Add accessories that can be fitted over or under your hard hat to provide neck protection from the sun. Long sleeved clothing can protect arms from sunburn.

5.     Wear the Right Clothing

Wearing the wrong clothes can lead to rapid heat exhaustion in very warm weather. Improper clothing can inhibit evaporative and convective cooling, leading to a thermal imbalance in the body. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends clothing made of breathable fabrics, especially cotton.

Clothing should be loose-fitting in light-colored fabrics. Non-breathable synthetic fabrics should be avoided as they can trap heat. Wear a hat if you are able to do so on your job site.

6.     Avoid Rapid Changes in Temperature

It might be tempting to take your breaks in an air-conditioned area, but this can actually aggravate heat-related illness. It is better to stay in a constant warm environment than switching from hot to cold over and over. The difference between being in the blazing sun and resting in a shady area will provide the relief you need.

7.     Get Enough Rest

Frequent breaks are essential during a hot summer when the temperature rises. Depending on how hot it gets, workers should get breaks up to every hour. These rest breaks should take place in a shady and cooler location. It does not need to be an air-conditioned area, but should be cooler than the temperature in the direct sun.

While it may be tempting to skip breaks, this is not safe. So, be sure to take all scheduled breaks to get out of the hot sun.

Other Summer Construction Work Hazards to Avoid

While the heat and sun are the main hazards of summer construction work, there are some other risks to be aware of:

1.     Lightning

The National Weather Service reports that almost 30% of lightning fatalities affect outdoor workers. When lightning is spotted within an eight-mile radius, workers should stop work and take cover until the threat has passed. A general rule of thumb is to wait about 30 minutes after the last thunder rumble is heard before resuming work.

2.     Insects

Bees and wasps can be lurking on a construction site. Take care when disturbing any nests or hives.

Mosquitoes can harbor West Nile virus. If you are in an area with lots of mosquitoes, use insect repellent. Tick bites can cause Lyme disease and other related illnesses.

OSHA recommends that tall grass and brush be removed from construction sites or spraying work areas with tick-toxic herbicides before work begins.

3.     Poison Plants

Vegetation containing poison plants such as poison ivy or poison oak should be removed from a construction worksite. If not, then these plants should be avoided as much as possible. Herbicides can control poison plants, but they must be applied several months in advance. All worksites should have supplies to treat exposure to poison plants, including soap and running water, cooling pads, and topical antihistamines.

Summer is a busy time for the construction industry, but these basic summer safety tips should not be ignored. The risk of serious injury or death is a daily threat. These strategies can help keep your entire crew safe and working in as much comfort as possible.