Essential Summer Safety Tips: Keeping Your Construction Site Safe

Essential Summer Safety Tips: Keeping Your Construction Site Safe

Summertime brings about blisteringly hot temperatures that are hard on all of us, especially those working outdoors on construction sites. Higher temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Additionally, we are approaching the hurricane season, adding another layer of concern to a construction site. 

That’s why it’s imperative to educate construction teams on how to stay safe during the summer season. With a little extra care and time, we can help prevent complications like heat exhaustion and keep construction sites safe at all times. In this blog, we will discuss some of the best summer safety construction tips. 

Construction Site Precautions For The Summer

Preventing Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke

With temperatures reaching above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, construction site workers are at risk of suffering heat exhaustion. Educating workers on how to stay cool and prevent heat-related complications is of the utmost importance. Firstly, workers need to be able to identify the symptoms of heat exhaustion which include: 

  • Cool, pale, clammy skin, despite the heat
  • Intense sweating
  • Fatigue, dizziness, and fainting
  • Rapid, weak pulse
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea
  • Headaches

Once identified, workers suffering heat exhaustion must be taken to a cooler, air-conditioned area and given plenty of water to hydrate. Taking a cold shower and using cold compresses can also help. It’s essential that workers can visually identify signs of heat exhaustion as it can lead to heat stroke and the risk of death. 

Secondly, it’s important to prevent heat exhaustion before it occurs. Water should be available for workers at all times. Workers should hydrate every 15-20 minutes and avoid drinking coffee, soda, tea, or any alcoholic beverages. The proper attire can also help prevent complications. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, and lightweight clothes. Moisture absorbing clothing is highly recommended to draw sweat off the body. Another tip to keep in mind is to apply sweatproof sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, the sun’s UV rays can reach the skin and cause sunburn. 

Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th and this time period poses a threat to construction projects. Even during a dry hurricane season, severe thunderstorms and high wind gusts can affect the infrastructure of construction sites. That’s why implementing contingency plans in the case of a severe storm is key to safeguarding a project. 

Project managers are responsible for instructing their teams on safety plans before a storm is even announced. The safety plan should explain the timeline and steps to protect the site and discuss all possible factors that are susceptible to damage. Make sure that this plan also indicates the potential cost impact of material loss during the storm. Developing this documentation will make it easier to prepare for potential costs, schedule changes, and insurance claims. 

With proper preparation, contractors can help minimize the impact of the storm and expedite the recovery process. After a hurricane has passed, assess any and all construction damage. Remember that workers are also impacted by the hurricane and may need more time to support their families or restore property damage. Also, material suppliers and distributors may have been affected as well, so planning ahead is critical. 

Site Cleanliness

A clean job is a safe job, and it’s essential that construction sites are cleaned up daily from miscellaneous debris. This helps ensure that sites are protected and secure from frequent pop-up storms that occur often during the summer months. If sites aren’t cleaned and secured daily at the end of each workday, it puts the entire project at risk of potential damage or material loss. 

The Safety Of Your Construction Project Is Our Top Priority

When it comes to a construction project, you need a partner who is capable of handling adversity and ensuring the safety of your site. At Poli Construction, our team has the necessary resources and knowledge to ensure a smooth construction process. We have the capabilities of a large contractor, but the attentiveness of small builders. One of our strongest attributes is consistent and steady communication, so you are informed on all aspects of your project no matter what complications may arise. For more information on how we can be of service to you, please contact us today

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