Top tips for working in the heat on a construction site

So, we’re sharing our most helpful tips for construction workers and site owners to keep themselves and everyone around them safe in these kinds of conditions.

1.     Stay hydrated

This advice extends much further than construction workers, however, the physical exertion that comes with the job can cause workers to become dehydrated quicker, which can lead to a number of health issues.

It is recommended that everyone should be drinking at least two litres of water a day, and this should be increased to approximately 2.25 litres when undergoing physical exercise.

2.     Employers rescheduling work

Another variation on a widely recommended piece of advice, it is advised that managers and employers on site reschedule work where possible to be done at the cooler times of the day, especially outside of the well known window where the sun can be at its most dangerous, between the hours of 12pm and 3pm.

3.     Removal of PPE when not working

Even though basic uniforms and work clothing can be adapted to help alleviate some of the effects of higher temperatures, but wearing PPE when working is something that cannot be compromised on.

However, it is encouraged that this PPE be removed when resting when in an environment where it is safe to do so. This will encourage heat loss and keep everyone on site as safe and cool as possible.

4.     Keep everyone updated and educated on heat related illnesses

The effects of extreme heat on the human body is widespread, and some of the most severe being heat related illnesses, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke and heat stress.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stress include:

·         Headaches

·         Dizziness

·         Confusion

·         Nausea

·         Cramps

·         Excess sweating

·         Fast and weak pulse

·         Weakness

·         Vomiting

If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, follow the following steps to treat them:

·         Move to a cool place

·         Lay down and elevate the feet slightly

·         Drink plenty of water

·         Cool the skin – this can be done using cold water spray or sponges or ice packs – particularly around the underarms and neck

Prolonged heat exposure without treating any of the symptoms can lead to heat stroke, which can potentially be very dangerous.

Symptoms of heat stroke, aside from the heat exhaustion symptoms previously mentioned to look out for are:

·         Extreme thirst

·         Fever

·         Fast breathing

·         Pale and clammy skin

The treatment for heat stroke is the same as that of heat exhaustion, however, if you or someone else does not start to feel better in 30 minutes, further medical attention may be needed.

It has been predicted that extreme temperatures will become more common in the UK, so it is important to be prepared to not only keep things running as normally as possible, but more importantly, for the safety of those that are under the most strain in these challenging conditions.