It is deep summer, and for a lot of us in the construction world, that means one thing: brutal, punishing heat. We are talking 100-degree temperatures with a heat index pushing 110. You can feel the sun frying your skin before lunch. The air is thick. The ground is hot. And your shirt has been soaked since 8 a.m.
This kind of heat is not just uncomfortable. It can be dangerous. In the worst cases, it can be deadly if you do not take it seriously.
Let’s talk about what you and your crew can do to stay safe, stay productive, and avoid falling out in the middle of a jobsite.
Start Early. End Early.
When it is this hot, those morning hours are golden. Try to shift your schedule earlier if possible. Knock out the heaviest work before the worst of the heat sets in. If you have concrete to pour or roofs to climb, do not wait until three in the afternoon.
Shade Isn’t Just Nice. It’s Necessary.
Make shade a priority. Bring a pop-up canopy. Park a truck or trailer in a spot where folks can cool off. You do not need anything fancy, just a break from direct sun. Even a few minutes in the shade can help your body recover.
Water. Then More Water. Then Some More.
This one should be obvious, but a lot of guys still skip it. You have to drink water all day long. Not just when you feel thirsty. If your pee looks like Mountain Dew, you are already in trouble.
Keep coolers stocked. Put water jugs where they are easy to reach. Set reminders if you need to.
Skip the energy drinks and sodas. They do not help. They make things worse.
Know the Signs of Heat Trouble
You do not have to be a doctor to know when something is off. Watch out for:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Heavy sweating that suddenly stops
- Hot, dry skin
- Confusion or irritability
If someone shows these signs, do not just tell them to sit down. Get them into the shade. Cool them with water. Use fans if you have them. Call for help if things do not improve fast.
Look Out for Each Other
On a hot jobsite, nobody should be working alone. Talk to your crew. Watch how they act. If someone seems off, speak up.
Foremen, your guys will not always admit when something is wrong. Check on them often. Rotate tasks. Make sure everyone gets breaks.
Bonus Tip: Rethink the Gear
If your crew is roasting in thick cotton or black shirts, help them switch it up. Use light colors and breathable fabrics. Cooling towels, sun sleeves, and wide-brim hats can help a lot. Comfort helps keep people safe when the heat gets wild.
You cannot stop summer from being hot, but you can stop it from being dangerous. Heat safety is not about being soft. It is about being smart. Keep your crew healthy. Keep your jobs moving. Nobody wins when someone passes out in the dirt.