When summer finally arrives in the UK, the outdoor temperature can rise quickly. The effects of global warming and climate change have made summers more unpredictable and uncomfortable than before, especially for those working outdoors.
Just a few years ago, we saw temperatures reaching as high as 32.2 °C, with little to no rainfall in June 2023: an uncomfortable reminder of just how hot our summers can now get.
Construction and building sites, in particular, can be harsh and challenging for construction workers working in the heat of summer. The heat builds up quickly and can lead to heat stroke and heat stress in your construction workers.
One way to avoid this outcome is by installing the appropriate welfare facilities on site. Just like in winter, having on-site welfare units in the summer can support the health and safety needs of your employees.
In this blog, we’re looking at the impact of summer heat on construction work, and why welfare facilities are a must in summer to prevent heat stress on construction sites.
Summer brings heat and humidity, which directly affects your workers' performance and safety. Long-term exposure to high levels of heat and humidity can cause varying levels of heat stress, from dehydration to heat exhaustion and even heat stroke in construction workers.
Sweating is our body’s innate mechanism to keep cool by dissipating heat through evaporation, in turn regulating internal body temperature. But high humidity or extreme heat hamper this natural mechanism and lead to heat stress.
Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to cool itself properly and maintain a stable indoor temperature. This stress due to excessive heat can lead to illnesses and, at times, life-threatening conditions.
Construction workers are at a higher risk of developing heat stress on construction sites and are also likely to experience sunburn and heat stroke due to working long hours in direct sunlight.
Besides affecting their health and well-being, high heat and humidity can lead to varying levels of discomfort in your workers, which lowers their productivity levels and concentration, increasing the risk of accidents.
According to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM), all employers have to legally provide adequate welfare facilities for workers on site. The HSE considers heat as a hazard that comes with legal ramifications, just like any other hazard.
This is why in summer, you need to make sure your workers have the opportunity to hydrate, access shade, and stay protected against heat-related conditions and adverse weather events.
A few of the summer essentials for onsite worker welfare are:
When the weather is hot, your workers need continuous access to fresh and clean drinking water to prevent dehydration. Make sure your construction workers working in the heat take regular breaks to drink clean drinking water.
Warm conditions promote rapid bacterial growth, emphasising the need for high on-site hygiene and sanitation. Having well-maintained, clean toilets on your site promotes hygiene and lowers the chances of your workers falling ill.
Your on-site workers need cool and shaded areas to take a break from the heat, preferably somewhere indoors. Well-ventilated welfare cabins can provide much-needed shade and help you prevent the occurrence of heat stroke in your construction workers.
On-site welfare facilities like Hireforce Welfare’s site welfare cabins offer access to clean drinking water, rest areas, hand-washing units, areas to rest and dine, and clean toilet facilities on construction sites. Browse our complete range here.
Site welfare units offer multiple benefits for your workers, including:
Keeping your workers hydrated, cool, clean, and hygienic reduces the likelihood of infections, respiratory issues, and heat stress on construction sites, maintaining their well-being.
With the right well-maintained facilities on site, your workers will feel cared for and should be more motivated and focused. When they’re able to access facilities to support their hydration, hygiene, and rest in welfare cabins, they’ll be able to beat fatigue and perform better in hot conditions.
Welfare facilities on your site are a legal requirement, and fulfilling them through mobile welfare cabins can help you comply with the necessary regulations, reducing your risk of fines and legal action. Over time, demonstrating your use of welfare facilities can boost your credibility as an employer who cares.
Providing high-quality, well-maintained welfare facilities on construction sites isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity for your construction workers. Think of it as an investment in creating a productive and safe environment for your employees for the duration of the project, as well as complying with the UK’s laws and regulations.
Hireforce Welfare is at the forefront of providing quality welfare cabins for the UK’s construction industry. We’re here to ensure your workers stay cool and comfortable in our cabins, away from the heat and humidity in summer.
Our ecosmart welfare cabins are available in multiple variants and can accommodate 6 to 16 persons at a time. Our welfare cabins are packed with features that not only meet but exceed the mandatory welfare requirements on construction sites.
Reach out to us on hiredesk@hireforcewelfare.com or call us on 0345 3503793 to learn more about our welfare range and beat heat stress in construction.
