SEA/Specific/TBT-SEA-026

Summer Working

Seasonal & Weather › Specific › Summer Working

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Working outdoors in summer exposes construction workers to UV radiation, heat stress, dehydration, and insect hazards.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK construction industry, caused by cumulative UV exposure.
Construction workers receive up to ten times more UV radiation than indoor workers over a typical career.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are medical emergencies — heat stroke can be fatal if not treated immediately.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require reasonable workplace temperatures and drinking water.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, headache, nausea, and dizziness during hot conditions.
Heat stroke occurs when the body temperature exceeds 40°C — symptoms include confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Insect stings and tick bites are more common in summer and can cause allergic reactions or transmit Lyme disease.
Longer daylight hours in summer can lead to extended shifts, increasing fatigue risk on site.
Thunderstorms bring lightning risk — exposed workers at height or near tall structures must seek shelter immediately.

Skin cancer prevention	Construction workers are significantly more likely to develop skin cancer — UV damage builds up over years and is irreversible.
Prevent heat casualties	Heat stroke kills rapidly and without warning — recognising early symptoms and acting immediately saves lives on site.
Maintain performance	Dehydration reduces concentration, reaction time, and physical strength — increasing accident risk across all tasks.

Don't

Apply minimum SPF 30 sunscreen to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours.
Drink water regularly throughout the day — aim for at least one litre every hour.
Wear a hard hat brim attachment or neck shade to protect ears, neck, and face.
Schedule the heaviest physical tasks for early morning or late afternoon where possible.
Provide shaded rest areas and encourage regular breaks during the hottest part of the day.
Wear loose, long-sleeved clothing to protect arms from direct sunlight where practical.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and your workmates at all times.
Move a heat casualty to shade, cool them with water, and call for first aid immediately.
Check for ticks after working in long grass, overgrown areas, or near woodland.
Seek shelter immediately in a building or vehicle if lightning is seen or thunder heard.

DON'T work bare-chested or with rolled-up sleeves in direct sunlight on site.
DON'T wait until you feel thirsty to drink — dehydration starts before thirst kicks in.
DON'T rely on energy drinks or coffee for hydration — water is the most effective option.
DON'T dismiss headaches or dizziness as minor — they may be early signs of heat illness.
DON'T leave the casualty alone if heat stroke is suspected — stay until paramedics arrive.
DON'T store sunscreen in hot cabs or containers — heat degrades the UV protection.
DON'T work at height or near water during an electrical storm under any circumstances.
DON'T assume a tan means you are protected — tanned skin still suffers UV damage.
DON'T consume excessive alcohol the evening before a hot shift — it worsens dehydration.
DON'T ignore insect bites that develop redness, swelling, or a bullseye rash pattern.

See also: Sun UV and Skin Cancer Awareness | Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Response

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