Hot Tips: How Contractors are Beating the Summer Heat

Construction work during the hot summer months is no joke! Standing out in the sun, operating equipment in the heat— it’s not a job everyone can do. According to the CDC, 285 construction workers passed away from heat related illness between 1992 and 2016. That accounts for one third of occupational heat related deaths in those 24 years.

Working on a construction site during the heat of the summer can be brutal. This is especially true for heavy highway contractors, where materials like concrete and asphalt can reach temperatures of 300°F or more. With safety being one of the biggest issues in construction, contractors are well aware that their workers are often at increased risk for heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion, heat rashes and/or cramps, fainting, heat stroke and other conditions.

So you may be wondering, how do contractors stay cool during the summer months? Well we asked our customers that exact question. Here are a few of their answers:

Sound Advice

“We bring in ice cream trucks and treat all of the employees to whatever they want.”

—Natalie W., Tri-City Electric Co.

“Magnetic umbrellas and frequent breaks.”

—Audrey H., Icon Mechanical

“We give our field guys moisture wicking headbands to put in their hard hats. Emphasize them staying hydrated, taking more breaks during the summer and finding a cooler area for those breaks.”

—Myron B., Hatzel and Buehler

“At the office we try to plan indoor activities. For Team building most recently we went to an escape room, nice and cool and working together as a team!!”

—Erin W., SDB, Inc.

“Start early and end early. Check on your co-workers frequently. Stay hydrated.”

—Mary S., Duggan Contracting Corporation

“Stay hydrated with electrolytes and moisture wicking bandanas to pull sweat from the skin.” 

—Andy G., Rummel Construction Inc.

“During the really hot months of summer, we adjust the schedules of the crews to start as early as possible in the morning, like 3 or 4am. We also provide plenty of ice and water for them to stay cool. Our Toolbox Talks focus on Heat Safety and how to identify heat stroke, or heat illness. We also provide cooling pads for their hard hats. Some guys wear long sleeves, and long liners in their hard hats to prevent sunburn.”

—Ann H., Marsh Creek Concrete

“Through the distribution and discussions of OSHA quick cards for Protecting Workers from Heat Stress. These cards help explain the risk factors, symptoms and prevention of heat related illnesses.”

—Lars S., Cal's Electrical Service Inc.