Construction work is not just tough, but it’s physically demanding, often outdoors and subject to any type of weather. When your team is working in blazing heat or freezing cold or something in between, their comfort matters much more than you may think.
When your team is comfortable, they’re safer, more productive, and happier to be on the job. Keeping that in mind, we’ve got 5 simple ways that you can keep your construction workers comfortable on-site no matter what the weather throws at them.
Here Are 5 Ways to Keep Construction Workers Comfortable On-Site
1. Give them shelter. Rain or shine, construction workers need a place to take breaks and regroup. It doesn’t matter whether they’re working at a height or not. You need to provide shelter from the element. Setting up temporary shelters with good climate control can really help. Pop up canopies or tents to create shaded areas is great for hot weather and portable heated trailers or enclosed break rooms can help with the cold weather. On rainy days you need somewhere dry for them to be to prevent slips, soggy clothes and low morale.
2. Implement climate control. We just mentioned how important climate control is to keep your people safe. But just because you’re on a construction site doesn’t mean climate control is off the table. Portable heaters, portable fans and air conditioners can make life a lot more bearable on site, especially during temperature extremes. You can use misting systems and fans to call off hot work zones and space heaters for the unheated. Even short exposure to controlled environments helps workers to regulate their body temperature, which makes them happier employees who are prevented from heat stroke or hypothermia.
3. Make sure their gear is weather appropriate. Comfort starts with the right gear, so they should be equipped with appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment. Lightweight, breathable fabrics in the summer along with hats are just as important as the thermal layers and insulated gloves in the winter. All year round, everything that they have should be waterproof, from the high vis vests to the hard hat.
4. Ensuring construction workers comfortable on-site includes providing readily available water. It’s very easy to overlook, but food and water play a huge role in how your workers feel on the job. Their comfort is key, and nobody is comfortable when they’re dehydrated. It doesn’t matter how long their working day is, they need constant access to fresh water and fresh food because a lack of fuel can lead to fatigue, poor focus, and accidents. Hydration stations with cold water and electrolyte drinks are as important as snacks like granola bars, fruit or sandwiches.
5. Give your team regular breaks. The simplest fix is the most effective, and regular scheduled breaks are a simple fix. This gives your team time to rest, rehydrate, and reset, especially during tough weather conditions. You can pair these breaks with access to shade, climate controlled trailers, or cooled down areas, and you’ll help your team stay refreshed and ready to work. Safety is key and you’re in charge of it!
