Construction Safety Tips to Consider for Summer Worksites

If you’re working in the construction sector during the summer, especially if you’re handling large machinery, it is important that you know all the details of every piece of equipment and the construction safety tips. It’s also imperative that everyone on the construction site knows how to run large machinery and handle any issues that may arise. Staying safe during the hot summer months means understanding and controlling the risks of extreme heat and heat-related illnesses. Here are some tips to help you conduct your construction work without difficulties and keep your machinery functioning properly during the summer.

1. Inspect the Drain Filters of Your Excavators

If you do not regularly check the drain filter of your machinery, especially during the summer, you could endanger it. Over 90 percent of premature excavator failures are due to a clogged drain filter. If your machine’s final drive drain filter is clogged, fix the issue early. You can get experienced professionals to help you unclog your machine’s drain filters.

2. Stay Up-To-Date With Safety Precautions

Stay on top of safety measures in the construction industry to avoid serious problems. The construction industry usually develops measures that ensure the safety of workers during different seasons. For instance, when summer arrives, workers will be advised on what to wear, how to stay healthy, and how to avoid the heat.

3. Keep Water Everywhere

Plenty of water near you is an excellent way to protect yourself from heat illness during hot weather. Ensure you drink water frequently to avoid dehydration. This water will keep your body from dehydrating and overheating. The more you drink water, the healthier you are. Ensure you drink water instead of other drinks such as soda, energy drinks, or other beverages.

4. Eat Healthy Foods

Heavy and high-fat foods will leave you feeling potentially nauseous and bloated, which is not good with extreme temperatures. Opt for lighter meals that will keep you active during the hottest part of the day. Eat sandwiches and fruits instead of French fries and a greasy burger.

5. Dress to Beat the Heat

You work in a construction zone, so you should wear protective garments to protect you from the heat and potentially hazardous environment. It is best to choose lightweight safety clothing in the summer; it provides free air movement and prevents heat from being trapped in your garments. Also, ensure you have a sunscreen to protect your skin. You can use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVB and UVA protection and a significant sun protection factor (SPF).

6. Plan Your Job’s Timing

It is best to plan a job only when the heat isn’t as intense. Arrange your work for the morning and evening hours. If you have outdoor and indoor work, plan the outdoor jobs in the morning and the indoor work in the afternoon. You can easily tackle the tough tasks when you’re still fresh and the rest when the sun begins to set.

Final Word

Summer is the best season for construction work because the weather is mostly predictable and pleasant. Still, when working during the summer, it is important to be mindful of the heat. You should take plenty of fluids, eat healthy meals, wear protective gear, get a good night’s sleep, and work when the heat is not intense to protect yourself from heatstroke, exhaustion, and sunburns.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for MiniFinalDrives