How to Keep Construction Workers Cool in Summer Heat

Heat stress in construction is a growing issue as record-breaking temperatures are increasingly common. Managers looking to create safe jobsites are smart to consider how to keep construction workers cool in summer. Introducing cooling solutions as part of a construction heat illness prevention program is well worth the effort.

In extreme heat, a worker’s core body temperature rises when the body’s natural cooling mechanisms are overwhelmed. Heat stress can quickly progress to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal if untreated. Productivity also suffers. Research suggests that productivity decreases by 2% for every 1.8°F increase in temperature above 77°F. That would mean that on 90° days, productivity is cut by almost 15%.

All told, heat illness can cost employers nearly $80,000 in workers’ compensation, medical treatment, decreased productivity and missed days, according to OSHA’s Safety Pays Individual Injury Estimator.

Helping workers beat the heat is an investment in their safety and the project’s schedule and budget. Here are six effective strategies worth considering.

1. Create hydration stations

Staying hydrated is critical to preventing heat illness. According to OSHA, workers should drink at least 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes on hot days, even if they don’t feel thirsty. That’s about a liter of water per hour. Staying hydrated from the beginning is easier than trying to rehydrate once dehydration sets in.

To encourage workers to drink, provide an easily accessible hydration station, or multiple stations on larger sites. For crews working in hot or humid conditions for longer than two hours, supplement water with electrolyte-containing beverages.

2. Schedule and enforce rest breaks

Brief rest breaks allow workers to cool down and give their bodies essential recovery time. Schedule mandatory breaks based on the heat index and work intensity. OSHA’s heat safety app provides guidance on optimal break times and lengths.

3. Provide shade if natural shade isn’t available

Shade can lower the ambient temperature by as much as 10 to 25 degrees. The right shade solution depends on the number of workers and the duration of the project.

An industrial canopy mounted to two mobile storage containers is an affordable, easy-to-implement solution. For more shade, companies may want to invest in an industrial tent and skip the sidewalls. These fabric buildings can be installed on any flat surface and adjusted based on space available and workforce needs.

4. Create onsite break rooms

Large jobsites can benefit from an industrial tent that serves as a break room. The Pro Series is lightweight and can be deployed in a matter of days. It’s perfect for short-to-mid-term rentals and can be scaled as the workforce grows or shrinks during different project phases.

The heavier-duty Pro+ Series provides exceptional ventilation and insulated steel sidewalls. The insulation slashes the cost of air-conditioning by 50%.

United Rentals experts can help site managers determine the structure size, layout, power needs and appropriate generator size. CAD model layouts allow managers to visualize site placement and space utilization. To make the break rooms fully functional, United Rentals can add amenities such as tables, chairs, microwaves and audiovisual equipment.

5. Choose climate-controlled offices and restrooms

Mobile office trailers are mainly for managers, but a large trailer with a conference room and central air conditioning can offer respite for several crew members at a time.

Renting one or more restroom trailers with climate control increases worker comfort and may boost morale.

6. Cool targeted areas with portable cooling solutions

When the mercury rises, portable coolers and fans that plug into an electrical outlet or generator offer relief from the heat. (Most generators are for outdoor use only.)

Spot coolers work much like portable air conditioners but are more compact and quicker to install. They provide targeted cooling for enclosed areas such as trailers, insulated tents and break rooms.

Evaporative coolers such as the Power Breezer provide cool air through evaporation. They are ideal for construction sites in hot, dry climates with humidity levels below 50%. Also known as swamp fans, they feature a built-in water tank and produce tiny water droplets that evaporate into the air. An oscillating fan pushes the air out over a large area.

Vector fans are similar but are tall and narrow, perfect for tight spaces. They can be used inside or outside.

Extreme heat isn’t just unpleasant, it’s potentially dangerous. Taking steps to prevent heat stress and heat illness protects workers, preserves productivity and fosters worker commitment, all of which helps keep projects on schedule and companies on top of their game.

Turn to United Rentals for all your project needs, including temporary jobsite infrastructure and cooling solutions. Browse our online marketplace or contact your local branch today.