High temperatures represent a significant risk to the health and safety of workers on construction sites.
Every year, numerous cases of heatstroke, dehydration and exhaustion are reported, which can lead to serious and even fatal consequences. This is why it is essential to take the necessary precautions to protect employees during periods of heatwave.
In Canada, the Commission for Standards, Equity, Health and Safety at Work (CNESST) has established strict regulations concerning the risks associated with heat in the workplace. These guidelines provide a clear framework for assessing risk levels based on temperature, humidity, and the type of work being done.
To assess the level of risk, the CNESST takes into account several factors, including:
These factors are combined to calculate a”Corrected temperature“, which determines the actual severity level. For example, a temperature of 30°C with a relative humidity of 50% and heavy work could lead to serious damage, requiring emergency measures. The Government of Canada provides An online calculator for calculating the humidex and wind chill.
High temperatures can cause serious health and safety consequences of construction workers, as well as on their productivity. It is essential to fully understand these impacts in order to implement the adequate preventive measures.
Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to various pathologies, ranging from the mildest to the most severe:
Workers suffering from certain pre-existing medical conditions, such as cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat. It should also be noted that for people with mental health disorders, exposure to high temperatures can impact the subject and worsen their condition.
In addition to health risks, hot weather can also have a significant impact on productivity workers. Heat-related fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating increase risks of errors and accidents on construction sites.
In addition, workers tend to slow down their pace of work to maintain their health, which can lead to delays and additional costs for construction projects.
The effects of heat, such as dehydration, dizziness, and fatigue, can dramatically increase the risk of injury and accidents on construction sites. Workers may show a lack of vigilance, reduced coordination, or impaired judgment, which can lead to falls, cuts, or other more serious incidents.
It is therefore essential to take the necessary measures to protect your employees from the harmful effects of hot weather. In addition to complying with current regulations, this will allow maintaining a safe and productive work environment, even during periods of heatwave.
To deal with these risks, it is essential to anticipate by taking into account The risks associated with the weather during the estimation. So you will be able to respect the law and preserve the health of your employees, without jeopardizing the realization of your construction projects. To do this, it is crucial to take into account the following 5 measures in your estimate:
One of the main measures to consider is The adjustment of working hours during heatwave periods. By starting earlier in the morning, for example, before the hottest hours of the day or by planning extended breaks in the middle of the day, when the temperatures are at their highest. All of this requires a planning effort, to help you, you can in particular use online timesheets with geolocation that will allow you to ensure the real working time of each employee.
On construction sites, it is essential to provide a shaded and well-ventilated area to cool off and rest during breaks. Otherwise, it can be a vehicle, but you can also consider installing fans, portable air conditioners, tents or temporary shelters for the most important sites.
Hydration is crucial to prevent heat-related risks. Water fountains or coolers filled with bottled water should be available near work areas. Remember to make your employees aware of the importance of drinking regularly, even if they do not feel thirsty, to compensate for water losses due to perspiration.
When weather conditions require it, it may be necessary to provide workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) specific to protect them from heat. This may include lightweight, breathable clothing, wide-brimmed hats or caps to protect from the sun, and appropriate protective gloves and goggles.
An essential part of heat risk prevention is training and awareness-raising for workers. They should be informed of potential dangers, symptoms to look out for, and what to do if there is a problem. Additionally, you can train them in emergency procedures, such as first aid, and ensure that first aid kits are accessible.
To avoid heatstroke on your construction sites, you must anticipate the dangers to which the people who work for you will be exposed. And this involves adjusting the presence on site, monitoring symptoms and adapting the site to facilitate the rest time for your employees. All these measures make it possible to promote a better quality of life at work And so a better employee retention.
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