Working in Summer Heat: Staying Safe When Temperatures Soar

Hot Weather Isn't Just Uncomfortable - It's Dangerous

British summers might not rival Spain, but we're seeing more heatwaves, and construction workers are at serious risk. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can hit faster than you'd think, especially when you're grafting hard.

Recognise the Warning Signs

Heat exhaustion (catch it early):

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness and fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Muscle cramps

Heatstroke (medical emergency):

• Stop sweating despite heat
• Confusion, slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness
• High body temperature
• Rapid heartbeat

If someone shows heatstroke signs: call 999 immediately.

Hydration - The Basics

You can lose 1-2 litres of sweat per hour in hot conditions. That needs replacing.

How much to drink:

• Start hydrated - drink before you feel thirsty
• 250ml every 15-20 minutes in hot weather
• Water is fine for most work
• Electrolyte drinks for very hot days or prolonged sweating

What to avoid:

• Energy drinks - caffeine is a diuretic
• Alcohol the night before a hot day
• Sugary drinks - cause energy crashes

Make it practical:

• Large water bottle always within reach
• Cooler with ice in the van
• Know where the nearest tap is on site

Clothing for Heat

The instinct is to strip off, but that's often wrong.

Why covering up can be better:

• Loose, light clothing shields from direct sun
• Sunburn doesn't just hurt - it impairs your body's cooling
• Light colours reflect heat

What works:

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics
• Light colours (hi-vis is fine)
• Loose fit for air circulation
• Wide-brimmed hat (or hard hat with neck shade)
• UV-protective clothing for prolonged exposure

Schedule Smart

If you control your schedule:

• Start earlier - 6am start beats the afternoon heat
• Take longest break during hottest hours (typically 12-3pm)
• Do heavy physical work in cooler morning hours
• Light tasks or indoor work in afternoon heat
• More frequent rest breaks on hot days

Create Shade and Cooling

On-site cooling:

• Gazebos or temporary shade structures
• Position breaks in shade
• Cooling towels (wet towel around neck)
• Fans if power available
• Cold water for wrists and back of neck during breaks

Van considerations:

• Never leave batteries in hot van - damages them and fire risk
• Park in shade when possible
• Crack windows when parked
• Sunshade for windscreen

Tools in Heat

Your power tools suffer in heat too:

• Batteries: High temperatures reduce lifespan and can cause damage. Keep out of direct sun.
• Overheating: Tools work harder in heat. Allow cooling periods.
• Metal tools: Can become too hot to handle safely
• Adhesives: May set faster or behave differently in heat

Sun Protection

Construction workers have high rates of skin cancer. Take it seriously.

• SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapplied every 2 hours
• Don't forget ears, back of neck, and bald spots
• Check your skin regularly for changes
• Cover up where practical

Know Your Limits

Macho culture doesn't help anyone. If you're struggling with heat:

• Take a break - your body is telling you something
• Move to shade
• Drink water
• Tell someone how you're feeling
• Stop if symptoms don't improve

Pushing through heat exhaustion leads to heatstroke. Heatstroke can kill.

The Bottom Line

British summers are getting hotter. Heat-related illness is preventable with hydration, appropriate clothing, smart scheduling, and knowing when to rest. Work smart, not just hard.