How to Keep Your Construction Workforce Safe During Heatwaves

At a Glance

The recent increase in UK heatwaves has increased health and safety risks for construction workers, with heat stress, dehydration, fatigue and reduced concentration raising the likelihood of workplace accidents. 

Employers and site managers must follow HSE guidance, implement heat-management measures and provide suitable welfare facilities to support hydration, rest and protection from extreme temperatures.

To hire suitable on-site welfare units to keep your workforce sheltered from the heat, contact Hireforce.

Heatwaves in the UK

Large parts of the country are becoming increasingly prone to heatwaves, with temperatures regularly rising above 35°C in some areas. Health authorities and weather forecasters have issued warnings that prolonged hot weather poses a risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for those working outdoors, as well as older adults and vulnerable groups.

For those working on construction sites, hotter than normal conditions pose health and safety challenges that require immediate attention. 

Our guide explores the impact of extremely hot weather on construction sites, HSE’s guidance on working in hot weather and how welfare units are a step towards providing practical relief from the ongoing heatwave.

Construction in Hot Weather 

Engaging in physically demanding construction work in heat-wave-like conditions can lead to heat stress, fatigue, reduced concentration and dehydration. Changing temperatures and frequent heatwaves may also lead to potentially life-threatening conditions if not managed properly.

With the UK expected to experience warmer-than-average temperatures this summer, your construction workforce is among the highest-risk groups. Contractors, site managers and employers need to know how to keep workers safe in such hot weather, understand the associated risks and offer practical tips for working in heatwaves.

Why Heat Waves Can Create Serious Risks on Construction Sites

During a heat wave, your on-site teams are exposed to weather that quickly raises body temperature. Strenuous activities such as groundwork, roofing, scaffolding work and roadwork can add additional strain and stress on the body.

The Effect of Heat on the Human Body

The human body has an innate capability to regulate overall body temperature, a process called thermoregulation. Through sweating and cooling mechanisms, the body maintains a core temperature between 36.5 and 37.5 degrees (97.7 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit).

However, during a heatwave, too much heat can overwhelm the body’s natural cooling mechanisms and directly affect the mind and body.

Common Heat-Related Illnesses

Here are some commonly reported heat-related illnesses, along with their warning signs and symptoms. 

• Heat exhaustion can include symptoms such as excessive sweating, dizziness, weakness, muscle cramps and nausea.
• Losing a large amount of fluid through sweating in a short time can lead to dehydration. Contrary to popular belief, thirst is not a correct indicator of dehydration. 
• A heat stroke is an emergency that must not be taken lightly and warrants immediate medical attention. Common symptoms include confusion, high body temperature, loss of consciousness and even seizures. 
• Prolonged UV and sun exposure can cause heat rashes, eye irritation and sunburn.

How Heat Stress Increases On-Site Accident Risks

Prolonged heat-wave-like conditions can lead to heat stress, which can directly impact work performance.

Link Between Heat and Human Error

• Reduced concentration & decision-making: During construction work in hot weather, your workers can become dehydrated or overheated, which can lower concentration and increase fatigue.
• Slower reaction times: Workers under heat stress can struggle to respond quickly to hazards. Fatigue and heat can also increase the risks around moving vehicles and heavy machinery.
• Physical fatigue and reduced coordination: Working in hot weather conditions for too long can also affect balance, strength and coordination. Your teams may find physically demanding work more risky to manage in hot weather.

High Risk Construction Activities in Extreme Heat

• Working at heights: Using ladders and access equipment is common in construction sites. But with repeated exposure to heat stress, your workers may experience reduced concentration and dizziness when working at heights.
• Operating heavy machinery: A certain amount of risk is involved. Along with the right training, operators need to remain alert at all times, especially when operating excavators, cranes, dumpers or telehandlers. 
• Road & infrastructure projects: These projects are fairly demanding due to their remote locations. Along with the weather, your workers have to bear the additional risk of the heat radiating from asphalt, concrete and machinery. 
• Manual handling tasks: Working on construction sites during a heat wave leads to fatigue more quickly and can also increase the likelihood of strains, sprains, cramps and muscle-related injuries.

HSE Guidance on Working in Hot Weather

Under the UK’s Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, employers have a duty of care and responsibility to protect workers. Following the HSE’s guidance on working in hot weather outdoors can help contractors and employers keep their on-site team safe and productive.

HSE Recommendations for Managing Hot Weather Risks

• Access to drinking water across the site
• Regular hydration
• More rest breaks to recover from heat strain
• Provide shade and cooler rest areas
• Schedule physically demanding work earlier in the day
• Monitor weather conditions and heat risk
• Train workers to recognise early warning signs of heat stress
• Balance the use of personal protective equipment with heat management

In the current heatwave, contractors should consider adjusting work times, more frequent rest breaks, increased supervision of workers and actively reviewing workloads during periods of extreme heat.

How Site Welfare Units Can Help in a Heatwave

With the current heatwave affecting construction sites across the country, ensuring workers have access to suitable welfare facilities has never been more important.

Seen as a regulatory requirement, welfare units become an essential control measure during a heatwave for protecting your workforce’s health and well-being. Think of hiring adequate and well-maintained welfare cabins for your workforce as a frontline defence against heatwave-like conditions.

Welfare units placed at accessible spots on construction sites provide on-site teams with shaded shelter away from direct sunlight. These units provide a drinking water supply to support hydration, as well as areas to sit, rest and have meals. Most units also include toilets and changing areas where workers can maintain hygiene and cleanliness.

How Hireforce Supports Safer Working Conditions During Extreme Heat

Hireforce has supported construction sites of all sizes across the UK. With our Ecosmart mobile welfare cabin range, we offer hire units that prioritise reliable comfort, especially in periods of extreme heat and challenging weather conditions.

From infrastructure and civil engineering to solar energy sites in remote locations, our site welfare units have supported multiple construction projects.

Hire our welfare cabins to support your teams from the project’s beginning to the end, regardless of the weather conditions. 

Contact us today for a quote.