Top Summer Weather Safety Issues On the Job

As summer heat leans in, construction sites encounter specific challenges that can impact worker safety. With temperatures still mild but unpredictable on the rise, it's crucial to focus on how to protect the well-being of the team and ensure projects are completed efficiently. Here are three vital considerations for construction safety in summer weather. Every day on a jobsite is filled with situations that could become hazardous, but taking a proactive approach and maintaining good communication with your crew can minimize the weather frustrations that summer can bring!

1. Heat Stress Awareness

Heat stress is a pressing concern for construction workers during hotter months. High temperatures can lead to serious health issues, including heat exhaustion and heat strokes. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 2,000 workers are treated for heat-related illnesses each year in the United States.

Supervisors should be trained to recognize signs of heat stress, such as excessive sweating, fatigue, confusion, and headaches. Encouraging workers to drink plenty of water is crucial. Studies suggest that workers should drink about 1 cup (8 ounces) of water every 15 to 20 minutes while on the job. Seems like a lot, right?! Consider how much of it is used up while our bodies regulate our internal thermostat while the temperature rises around us and as we warm and heat while we work.

Implementing a hydration schedule and encouraging regular breaks in shaded areas can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related issues. Communicating the importance of hydration and educating workers about symptoms can further help create a safer environment.

2. Sun Protection

Increased daylight hours during summer means workers are more at risk of UV radiation exposure, which can lead to skin cancers like melanoma. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that one severe sunburn can double the chances of developing skin cancer later in life.

To protect against sun damage, require workers to wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and switch out standard safety glasses for safety shades with UV protection. Promoting the use of sunscreen with at least SPF 30 can also help safeguard skin health.

Creating a culture of sun safety involves providing informative resources and leading by example. Installing shaded rest areas or tents can also minimize direct sunlight exposure during breaks, allowing workers to recharge without the harmful impacts of the sun.

Workers wearing protective hats and sunscreen at a construction site

3. Weather-Related Hazards

Summer thunderstorms can bring sudden lightning strikes and heavy rainfall, posing serious risks on job sites. The National Weather Service reports that lightning strikes cause an average of 20 deaths every year in the United States, emphasizing the need for a clear safety plan for weather emergencies.

Establishing a communication system is essential. Ensure that workers are informed of weather alerts and the steps they need to take during dangerous conditions. Protocols for ceasing work, securing tools, and safely leaving the site must be clear.

Regular training sessions can prepare workers to handle severe weather. Understanding how to respond to unexpected changes can help keep everyone safe and reduce risks during summer storms. OSHA is not the only safety authority; consider the National Weather Service tips about the 30-30 rule - you may have heard of it, but do you know what it means?

The ‘30-30 Rule’ Offers The Best Lightning Safety Guidance For The General Public. When You See Lightning, Count The Time Until You Hear Thunder. If That Is 30 Seconds Or Less, The Thunderstorm Is Close Enough To Be Dangerous – Seek Shelter (if you can’t see the lightning, just hearing the thunder is a good back-up rule). Wait 30 Minutes Or More After The Lightning Flash Before Leaving Shelter https://www.weather.gov/media/zhu/ZHU_Training_Page/lightning_stuff/lightning/lightning_facts.pdf

Prioritizing Safety for Better Outcomes

Focusing on safety during summer months involves planning and education about heat stress, sun exposure, and weather hazards. Construction company owners play a critical role in cultivating a culture that prioritizes health and safety, leading to increased productivity and project success. Regular assessments of conditions and proactive safety measures can help maintain a safe working environment for all.

Properly stored construction gear to prevent weather-related damage