Kevin Lindley, Safety Rep, FRSA Self Insurers Fund
As the temperature climbs during the summer months, so do the risks on construction sites and mother outdoor activities. While summer brings longer days and increased productivity potential, it also includes hazards such as increased risk of heat-related illnesses, dehydration, storms and equipment-related injuries. Prioritizing summertime jobsite safety is essential for protecting workers’ health and maintaining operational efficiency.
Heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that can affect anyone working in elevated temperatures. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headache, excessive sweating, blurred vision, muscle cramps, brain fog and confusion. Heat stroke, the most severe of these, can be fatal if not treated immediately.
■ Attempt to schedule the most physically demanding tasks for early morning or late afternoon.
■ Encourage frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas.
■ Provide ample water – about one gallon of water per person, per day and encourage hydration every 15–20 minutes.
■ Train workers to recognize and respond to symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Dehydration can set in quickly under the sun, impairing judgment, reducing endurance and increasing the likelihood of accidents. Alongside proper hydration,
balanced meals that include electrolytes and energy-boosting nutrients can support stamina and focus.
■ Set up shaded hydration stations onsite near or in close proximity to the work area.
■ Avoid caffeinated, alcohol and sugary beverages that can accelerate dehydration.
■ Encourage workers to eat small, frequent meals rich in fruits, vegetables and proteins.
Prolonged sun exposure can lead to sunburn, heat rash and increased long-term skin cancer risk. Protective measures are essential. Recommendations include:
■ Equip outside workers with long-sleeved, water-wicking company logo shirts.
■ Require the use of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours.
■ Provide wide-brimmed hats or hard hat attachment sunshades, UV-protective clothing and outdoor tinted safety glasses.
■ Provide temporary tents with base securement weights to provide shade during breaks.
Metal tools and machinery can become extremely hot under direct sunlight, posing burn risks. Additionally, heat can impact the performance of some materials and equipment. Precautions include:
■ Store tools in shaded or covered areas when not in use.
■ Use gloves and other PPE to handle hot surfaces safely.
■ Conduct daily inspections of equipment for heat-related wear or damage.
While PPE is essential for safety, it can also trap heat and reduce ventilation, increasing the risk of heat stress. Choosing the right gear for summer is critical. Summer PPE considerations include:
■ Use lightweight, breathable materials when possible.
■ Rotate workers more frequently to reduce heat load from heavy PPE.
■ Integrate cooling towels or vests when feasible.
Heat can dull reflexes, reduce reaction time and cloud decision-making. Promoting mental sharpness and a culture of communication helps prevent incidents before they happen. Encourage these helpful practices:
Summer storms can roll in fast, bringing high winds, heavy rain and lightning. Lightning is especially dangerous on jobsites with metal tools, elevated work location and open areas without lightning protection systems connected. Stay storm-ready:
■ Monitor weather forecasts throughout the workday.
■ Suspend outdoor work if lightning is within 10 miles from the work location, before and after the storm.
■ Avoid sheltering under trees or near tall equipment.
■ Resume work only after 30 minutes without thunder.
Summer brings unique challenges to the jobsite but with proactive planning and vigilant safety measures, risks can be minimized. By focusing on hydration, heat illness prevention, sun protection, storm readiness and proper use of PPE, employers can create a safer, more productive work environment that ensures everyone goes home healthy at the end of the day.
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