Summer Heat and Hydration Awareness
Seasonal & Weather › General › Summer Heat and Hydration Awareness
Summer Heat and Hydration Awareness
Working outdoors in hot weather on construction sites puts workers at risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, severe sunburn, and dehydration. These conditions can develop rapidly and heat stroke is a medical emergency that can be fatal. UK summer temperatures increasingly exceed 30°C, and the combination of physical labour, heavy PPE, and direct sun exposure significantly increases the risk. Planning work around the hottest hours, providing shade and water, and recognising the early warning signs are essential.
- Provide unlimited access to cool drinking water at locations close to all work areas.
- Schedule physically demanding tasks for the cooler hours early morning and late afternoon.
- Provide shaded rest areas for breaks away from direct sunlight and radiated heat.
- Allow workers to take additional rest breaks during periods of extreme heat.
- Encourage workers to wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly.
- Monitor workers for signs of heat illness including confusion, dizziness, and excessive sweating.
- Ensure lightweight, breathable clothing is worn where PPE requirements allow flexibility.
- Brief workers on the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke at the start of every hot day.
- Consider rescheduling non-urgent outdoor work when temperatures exceed safe working thresholds.
If someone shows signs of heat stroke — hot dry skin, confusion, or collapse — call 999 immediately. Move them to a cool shaded area, remove outer clothing, and cool them with water. Do not give fluids if they are unconscious.
- Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can kill — recognise the symptoms and act immediately.
- Drink water regularly throughout the day and do not wait until you feel thirsty to start drinking.
- Schedule heavy physical work for the cooler early morning and late afternoon hours wherever possible.
- Sunburn increases your long-term risk of skin cancer — wear sunscreen and cover exposed skin.
- If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or confused in hot weather, stop work and move to shade immediately.
- Look out for your colleagues because heat illness can impair judgement and they may not recognise it.
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