Heat safety is a crucial part of roofing safety, and it is a topic that applies beyond the summer months. Some states often experience extreme heat from spring through the fall, so sufficient planning is imperative for working through months of high temperatures and humidity.
For Construction Pros offers the following considerations to help companies create a safety culture that takes heat seriously and continuously plans for it.
- Reinforcing heat safety before stepping on the job site. Teams have a chance every morning to clarify expectations, review weather conditions and discuss potential risks. Establish heat safety as an essential part of the day like any other safety measure. A toolbox talk or start-up meeting is a great time to discuss heat hazards and remind workers about the symptoms they should look for in themselves and co-workers.
- Planning through the entire season. Some states experience consecutive weeks of extreme temperatures, which puts a lot of stress on workers’ bodies. It is important to have a comprehensive plan for heat management, including monitoring seasonal forecasts, identifying high-risk work activities, strategically scheduling labor-intensive work and ensuring there is water, shade and cooling equipment before projects begin.
- Technology identifies risks before emergencies. Companies now often can monitor site-specific heat indexes during the day, and environmental monitoring equipment can measure temperature, humidity and other conditions in real time. This allows supervisors to make informed decisions about protecting workers. Additionally, some wearable technology can monitor heart rate and body temperature so workers can avoid heat strain.
- Adjusting the workday to reduce heat exposure. Shifting schedules so workers are not on the roof during the hottest time of the day can be a simple action to avoid heat risk. Companies may start shifts earlier in the morning for physically demanding activities and save less strenuous tasks for the afternoon. Additionally, recovery areas with cooling stations can help workers get a necessary break so they can work safely.
- Acclimating workers safely. Adapting to hot environments takes time. Employees who are new to outdoor work or who have been away from it for a while are considered a high-risk group. Gradually increasing work duration and physical intensity for these workers over several days can help them adapt. Be sure supervisors monitor workers more closely during this period for signs of heat-related illness.
- Hydration is more than drinking water. Hydration is crucial, and although providing water coolers is important, outdoor workers lose significant amounts of fluids and electrolytes. Many contractors now also offer electrolyte replacement beverages or electrolyte packets during extreme conditions. Hydration stations should be positioned so workers do not have to travel long distances to hydrate.
