Temperatures in places are soaring above the 30C mark and the construction industry is beginning to feel the heat. In these demanding conditions, the safety of construction site workers is paramount.
Construction security experts, SafeSite Facilities, have put down some practical advice for the industry to keep site workers safe during the summer.
Sure, it might be thought of as one of the joys of outdoor working. Men with their tops off in the heat doing what they love. Maybe even opening a can of Diet Coke for refreshment.
But in a labour intensive field like construction, hot weather can create serious health and safety risks. It's crucial to understand and effectively manage these risks to ensure a safe and secure work environment.
For workers labouring in scorching weather, the risk of heat-related illnesses is significantly increased, and it's vital that both employers and employees are aware of these dangers and how to mitigate them.
The legalities of work in hot weather
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, set out the employer's duty to ensure that the workplace is at a 'reasonable' temperature. Although there's no specific maximum temperature established for outdoor work, the term 'reasonable' indicates that employers should be cognisant of weather conditions and adjust workplace practices and conditions accordingly.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 necessitates that employers make a robust assessment of risks to the health and safety of their workers, inclusive of potential hazards posed by hot weather. So, employers bear a legal obligation to institute appropriate measures to safeguard workers against heat-related risks.
An effective means of gauging working conditions is by using instruments such as wet bulb globe thermometers. These devices offer an accurate assessment of conditions by taking into account multiple factors - temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover - that cumulatively contribute to the concept of 'heat stress.'
The health risks are real
Under hot weather conditions, workers may encounter physiological changes like increased sweating and changes in blood flow. This, coupled with decreased concentration and overall lowered performance, can heighten the risk of accidents on site. Maintaining vigilance over these potential risks is essential to prevent harm to workers.
Site bosses should know that long-term exposure to sunlight can lead to severe health conditions like skin cancer and burns. Other heat-related health issues include heat oedema, characterised by swelling in the body due to heat exposure, heat rashes, cramping, heat exhaustion, and in more severe cases, heat stroke.
Certain roles in construction, such as those operating heavy machinery, lifting weighty materials, or driving for extended periods, bear a higher risk of heat stress. Recognising these risks and taking preventive action is crucial.
Prevention before cure
For instance, employers should facilitate regular breaks in cool, shaded areas, ensure an ample supply of cool drinking water, and provide suitable clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect workers from harmful sun exposure.
Workers themselves also play an integral role in maintaining their safety. Pacing their work, regularly using sunscreen, and removing PPE during breaks are all simple, yet effective measures.It's important that the removal of PPE takes place in areas safe from other hazards and where there are appropriate cleansing chemicals.
Staying hydrated is another vital aspect that workers should maintain, taking in water at regular intervals to prevent dehydration.
Yet, despite taking precautions, the reality is that heat-related illnesses can still occur. It's paramount for employers and fellow workers to be aware of the signs of these illnesses. They can range from mild symptoms such as rashes or cramps to severe conditions like heat stroke, a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Ensuring that the provision of first aid is readily available, and medical attention can be promptly accessed when necessary, is a crucial part of an employer's responsibilities.
SafeSite Facilities strongly champions precautionary measures, and it's advice that they follow too. The firm is dedicated to site safety and security, offering a comprehensive range of construction site security products and services.
More important than the job
Michael Knibbs, Manager Director at SafeSite Facilities, said: “We ensure our teams, many of whom are ‘hands-on’, take necessary precautions when working in hot weather. We know that the health and safety of workers takes precedence over any job.
“Soaring temperatures can impose serious threats to the health and safety of all outdoor workers. A thorough understanding of the risks, meticulous planning, and diligent use of protective measures can help the industry overcome the challenges of working in high temperatures.”
For information on how SafeSite Facilities can help secure your construction site click here.
