Jobsite Safety: Staying Safe in the Summer Heat
Summer is upon us—and judging by the forecast, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. At Kozeny-Wagner, safety is always our top priority, and that includes protecting our crews from the dangers of extreme heat on the jobsite.
Working in high temperatures can quickly lead to serious health risks like heat exhaustion or heat stroke if precautions aren’t taken. Here are some important reminders, along with a few facts that might surprise you:
- Stay Hydrated
Drink water all day long, not just when you’re thirsty. On hot days, your body loses water fast—especially when wearing PPE and working under direct sun. Aim to drink at least one cup every 15–20 minutes.
💧 Fun Fact: A single construction worker can lose up to 1.5 liters of sweat per hour in extreme heat. That’s nearly half a gallon—replenish regularly!
Avoid energy drinks and soda, which can actually speed up dehydration.
- Take Breaks in the Shade
Use scheduled breaks to cool down. Find a shaded area, sit down, and give your body time to recover. Kozeny-Wagner jobsite trailers, tents, and cool zones are there for a reason—use them.
🔥 Heat Fact: Heat-related illnesses cause thousands of workers to miss work each year. According to OSHA, 50% of heat-related deaths happen in the first few days on the job—acclimatization is key.
If you feel dizzy or nauseous, tell your foreman immediately.
- Dress for the Heat
While PPE is a must, what you wear underneath matters too. Choose breathable, moisture-wicking clothing and consider cooling towels or neck gaiters during breaks.
🧢 Consider hard hat sunshades or cooling bandanas—small adjustments that make a big difference in your comfort and focus.
- Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Keep an eye out for:
- Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness.
- Heat Stroke: Confusion, hot dry skin, fainting, and high body temperature (over 103°F)—this is life-threatening. Call 911 immediately.
📊 Stat: Heat stroke can lead to permanent disability or death if not treated quickly. It’s one of the most serious heat-related conditions.
- Work Smart, Not Just Hard
Supervisors and crews should work together to schedule the heaviest labor during the coolest parts of the day. Rotate tasks when possible and take advantage of early morning hours.
⏰ Safety Tip: OSHA recommends new workers acclimate over 7–14 days, gradually increasing workload and heat exposure.
- Look Out for Each Other
Your crew is your team—don’t ignore the signs if someone’s not acting right. A quick check-in could make all the difference.
✅ Pro Tip: Use the “buddy system” during extreme heat days to help monitor symptoms.
Heat Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
At Kozeny-Wagner, we know that our people are our greatest asset. Let’s do everything we can to protect one another during this stretch of hot weather. Drink water, take breaks, speak up—and always choose safety first.
Stay cool and stay safe this summer!