{"id":113169,"date":"2022-07-18T17:00:45","date_gmt":"2022-07-18T16:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=113169"},"modified":"2023-06-08T10:08:53","modified_gmt":"2023-06-08T09:08:53","slug":"too-hot-to-work-construction-site-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/health-safety-news\/too-hot-to-work-construction-site-safety\/113169\/","title":{"rendered":"Too hot to work: Working safely on a construction site during a heatwave"},"content":{"rendered":"

During a heatwave, there are a number of health and safety hazards that construction workers need to be aware of – but when does it become too hot to work and how can we protect the wellbeing of employees?<\/span><\/h2>\n

During the height of the summer, temperatures can soar<\/a>, making working conditions more difficult. Amidst a rise in construction projects which were previously put on hold due to the pandemic, more construction workers are at risk of the side effects of working in hot conditions, not to mention the heat given off from equipment and construction processes. And those hazards become even more of a risk as temperatures increase.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But what can be done to keep construction projects ticking along without it impacting the health and wellbeing of staff? <\/span>There are hazards that workers need to be aware of during a heatwave<\/a> \u2013 here are a few of the ways that construction workers can stay safe, whatever the weather.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Too hot to work: What do the government guidelines say about working in a heatwave?<\/h3>\n

The Health and Safety Work Act 1974<\/a> states that employers must provide their staff with a healthy, safe work environment \u2013 and during hot and dry conditions, this means controlling the risks that employees may face as a result of working in hot temperatures or exposure to the sun. There\u2019s no set maximum temperature for working<\/a> outside in the UK, but employers are implored to use their discretion to provide a reasonable temperature for staff to work in and take action when necessary. It can be difficult to assess air temperature, since humidity, wind speed and clothing or PPE can all affect the temperature someone experiences. However, having equipment on site to assess the conditions more specifically, such as a wet bulb globe thermometer or the electronic equipment to measure humidity on site, can help ensure you\u2019re not missing anything.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>HSE site<\/span> defines that thermal comfort<\/a> is between 13 and 30 degrees, and when more strenuous work is required, these temperatures should fall on the lower end of the spectrum. Construction companies need to take regular risk assessments to ensure that staff working in hot temperatures, or those who are exposed to the sun throughout the day, are protected against heatstroke, sunburn, heat rash and dehydration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the risks to our health in a heatwave?<\/h3>\n

Issues can arise when the temperature and humidity rises, and the first thing that people will notice is the physical effects. <\/span>Exposure to higher temperatures<\/span> can increase sweating, change blood flow and cause an increase in heart rate. But changes in temperature can also increase irritability, decrease concentration and have an impact on performance, making it harder for people to do their jobs well. What\u2019s more, manual work such as that found on a construction site will add to that heat and increase the burden the heat is placing on the body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Construction workers are more likely than most to be outside regularly, and when they are continually exposed to sunlight and UV radiation, they\u2019re put at an increased risk of skin cancer and burns \u2013 particularly fair-skinned people and those who burn easily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Heat exposure can lead to several illnesses and conditions, including a heat edema which is a swelling that occurs, most typically in the ankles, when someone isn\u2019t acclimatised to the conditions. You might also notice heat rashes appear on the skin, cramping caused by a salt imbalance from excessive sweating, and exhaustion which can manifest as dizziness, visual disturbances, nausea and headaches. In more serious cases, the individual may experience <\/span>heat stroke which is a medical emergency<\/span><\/a> and can lead to a loss of consciousness, confusion and even convulsions. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention, because delaying treatment can have serious consequences that can result in fatality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Who is most at risk when working during a heatwave?<\/h3>\n

It’s not just working outside that puts all construction workers at risk, but there\u2019s the presence of heavy machinery, lifting materials and driving that increase temperatures and heat stress even more. Heat can be a real concern for workers whose job involves driving, not least because they become a hazard to themselves and those around them if fatigue sets in or they pass out from the heat. Employers should provide vehicles with air conditioning or avoid driving altogether if the temperatures are very high.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Working in sweltering conditions all day is not only uncomfortable for staff but it\u2019s also incredibly dangerous and can lead to severe situations where the health and safety<\/a> of individuals and those around them is put at risk. If a construction worker is using dangerous equipment or tools and falls ill from heat, the consequences can be dire. Employers have to be sure that the environment for their workers is safe and that means regularly assessing the temperature to make sure employees are not at risk of heat-related conditions and illnesses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How can employers protect construction workers during a heat wave?<\/h3>\n