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As summer starts, contractors in all the United States are directing their attention to keep workers cool during the hottest days of the year.
Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are silent threats to outdoor workers, and projects in places like Florida and California have already faced the weather conditions of drowning this year. The heat indices were is expected to jump at 105 degrees This week in Orlando, Florida, according to Fox 35 and heat wave in southern California The Los Angeles Times requested advice to Los Angeles, while causing worries about wildfires.
For Bonita Springs, Curran Young Construction, based in Florida, safety managers are used to dealing with unpleasant summers, according to Tom Younger, general superintendent.
Here, the construction of the immersion of the construction speaks with younger to adjust to the hot climate, tips for combating high temperatures and how to select the right PPE.
This interview was published by brevity and clarity.
Construction Division: What types of precautions do you take to keep workers safe during the hottest summer days?
Younger volume
Permission granted by Curran Young Construction
Younger volume: At CYC, we continue to strict thermal safety protocols, especially in the maximum summer months. They include mandatory water breaks every 15 to 20 minutes with electrolyte drinks promoted for prolonged shifts.
We also provide shaded recovery areas and apply 10 to 15 minutes’ breaks every hour. Refrigeration stations with fans, fog systems and laptops are shaped in the site, and supervisors actively control the weather conditions and hydration of workers, especially for the most recent team members.
Why is acclimatization so important and how do you facilitate it?
Acclimation is essential because most heat -related incidents occur in the first days at work. The body takes time to accumulate high temperatures. This means that gradual exposure is not optional, it is essential.
We start new or returned workers with only 20% of a normal workload and gradually increase for seven to 14 days. They are given additional breaks, paired with “heat friends” experienced and supervised for signs of heat stress such as dizziness or fatigue.
What types of PPE are the best for hot weather?
For hot climate, we use light, tight and breathable clothes, ideally t -shirts that make moisture. Ventilated ventilated hats and gloves help reduce heat withholding.
Extreme heat days, we provide refrigeration vests and bandites. When it is certain, workers turn thick during low-risk tasks to minimize heat accumulation.
Change your time of work during the summer?
Yes, we adjust our schedules to avoid the maximum heat hours, usually between 12 and 16 hours, the heaviest labor is scheduled for the morning or in the afternoon whenever possible. This helps reduce exposure to heat and maintain high productivity without compromising safety.
What else do you think construction professionals should know about this important topic?
The safety of heat is not just a matter of keeping fresh, but of saving lives. All crews must have a clear emergency response plan, including how to identify heat exhaustion versus a heat stroke and when calling 911.
Continuing education, proactive supervision and a strong culture of security communication can make a difference.
