Summer Heat and Hydration

Heat-related illness including heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be fatal if not recognised and treated promptly.
Construction workers are at high risk because of physical exertion, heavy PPE, and prolonged outdoor sun exposure.
Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer cool itself — core temperature rises above 40°C and organs begin to fail.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, dizziness, headache, and rapid pulse.
Workers should drink at least one litre of water per hour during hot weather, regardless of whether they feel thirsty.
UV radiation causes sunburn, premature skin ageing, and skin cancer — construction workers have elevated rates of skin cancer.
The hottest part of the day is typically between 11am and 3pm — heavy physical tasks should be rescheduled where possible.
Rest breaks in shaded or cool areas should be increased during hot weather to allow the body to recover.
Certain medications, alcohol consumption, and pre-existing conditions increase vulnerability to heat-related illness.
A buddy system helps identify early signs of heat illness in colleagues who may not recognise their own symptoms.

Heat stroke kills	Heat stroke is a medical emergency — if core temperature is not reduced rapidly, it causes organ failure and death.
Skin cancer risk	Construction workers have twice the rate of skin cancer as office workers due to UV exposure — sun protection is essential.
Impaired performance	Dehydration and overheating reduce concentration, coordination, and reaction times — increasing the risk of all types of accident.

Do

Don't

Drink water regularly throughout the shift — at least one litre per hour in hot weather.
Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin and reapply every two hours.
Wear a hat, long sleeves, and UV-protective clothing when working outdoors.
Take rest breaks in shaded or cool areas, increasing frequency during peak heat.
Schedule heavy physical tasks for the cooler parts of the day where possible.
Watch your colleagues for signs of heat exhaustion — dizziness, nausea, or confusion.
Move anyone showing heat illness symptoms to shade, cool them, and call for first aid.
Ensure drinking water is freely available and accessible from all work areas.
Acclimatise gradually if you are new to working in hot conditions.
Know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke and how to respond.

DON'T wait until you feel thirsty — by then you are already dehydrated.
DON'T skip sunscreen because you think you do not burn easily.
DON'T work bare-chested — exposed skin burns and increases skin cancer risk.
DON'T push through without breaks in hot weather — rest periods prevent heat illness.
DON'T carry out the heaviest tasks during the hottest hours if they can be rescheduled.
DON'T ignore a colleague who looks unwell in hot weather — it could be heat stroke.
DON'T delay first aid for heat illness — heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency.
DON'T restrict access to drinking water — it must be freely available at all times.
DON'T go straight into heavy work on the first hot day — allow time to acclimatise.
DON'T confuse heat exhaustion with simply being tired — the symptoms require action.

See also: Winter Working Safety | UV Protection & Sunscreen Use

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