HSE Urges Construction Workers To Stay Cool

Construction staff have to work outside in all weather conditions, but soaring temperatures can pose health risks if they do not take precautions. 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released guidance on how to stay safe while at work as temperatures in the UK remain high.

Indeed, the mercury has even exceeded 30C this week for the first time since August 2022, while much of the country has experienced temperatures above 20C for the past fortnight. 

John Rowe, head of operational strategy at HSE, said: “Climate change means we’re likely to get hotter summers and that could have a big impact on the workforce of this country, affecting everything from [the] health of workers to productivity on construction sites.”

The HSE advised employers to offer flexible working patterns to enable them to work during cooler hours. For instance, they could start at 0500 and finish at 1300, avoiding the hottest time of the day. 

They should also make drinking water free and readily available, and remind workers to take off their personal protective equipment (PPE) when they are resting, so they do not overheat. 

Where possible, employers could provide weather-appropriate PPE, as this can often be stuffy and non-breathable. 

Mr Rowe added that British summers are likely to be hotter in the future, thanks to climate change, so employers need strategies to keep their workers safe.

This will ensure more people join a construction recruitment agency, as they can be confident their bosses will look after them in all weathers.