Warm weather is lovely for vacations, backyard barbecues and treks to the beach. What hot weather is not great for is construction laborers. Vigilance and adherence to safety protocols is essential for the well-being of workers and, ultimately, the success of projects and businesses too. Thoughtful recognition efforts also matter greatly. Read on for tips from pros.
Weathering The Physical Demands
Everyone who has ever labored physically knows that performing through “all-weather” is much easier said than done, and hot weather brings specific challenges. For pointers on fostering a consistent company culture that protects workers, Construction Pros tapped Dan Carpenter of Curran Young Construction in Florida, who prioritizes adherence to safety standards, and offers these reminders:
It’s crucial to adhere to OSHA and NIOSH heat safety guidelines, and teams can supplement those with internal policies designed for maximum effectiveness. These include:
- Drinking one cup of water every 15–20 minutes
- Mandatory hourly rest breaks in shaded areas
- Adjusted workloads during peak heat hours
- Supervised acclimatization periods for new or returning workers
- Comprehensive emergency response plans
In addition to taking safety standards seriously, Carpenter advises flexibility, training, proper equipment, and vigilance when it comes to construction in hot weather, and offers these examples:
- Flexibility is essential when dealing with heat advisories or dangerous spikes in temperature … .During extreme conditions, work may begin well before dawn to avoid the hottest part of the day, usually between noon and 4 p.m.
- “We reduce workloads, extend rest breaks, and utilize cooling stations more frequently,” he said. “Supervisors have the discretion to stop work if conditions
- All workers receive monthly training on heat-related risks, including how to differentiate between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, proper hydration practices and emergency procedures.
- Curran Young crews also rely on innovative personal protective equipment (PPE) and gear designed to beat the heat, such as breathable, moisture-wicking clothing, ventilated hard hats, cooling vests, and portable AC units at recovery stations. “We rotate heavy PPE out when crews are in shaded or low-risk areas to reduce heat retention,” Carpenter added.
Fostering A Culture of Appreciation
Though no amount of appreciation can make up for failed leadership around safety matters, appropriately and consistently recognizing workers is also essential for long-term success in the construction business. As Jason Lamonica from Spec on the Job puts it: “Construction companies should view employee appreciation as a strategic investment in their workforce. By acknowledging hard work and dedication, they can not only promote their employees’ well-being but also improve their overall operations. In the process, they can appeal to prospective employees while simultaneously elevating construction work in our entire society.”
Appreciation means different things to different people, so pros say it’s wise to directly ask workers for their ideas about meaningful recognition: “Construction companies can best recognize their employees by asking them what they want. There are many methods of granting recognition and enabling people to feel seen…Coming out and asking their opinion of the options will help point your way forward.” As you develop an ongoing appreciation strategy, here are three specific options to consider:
- One is simple public praise. Examples include Employee of the Month awards or the chance to thank others during staff meetings or company events.
- Helping workers gain new skills or refine existing ones is another way to show appreciation….Construction workers react well to employers that invest in their professional growth. This is another way for employers to forge a long-term commitment with employees.
- Offering tangible rewards like gift cards, bonuses, or other incentives is also a great way to make workers feel valued. In particular…giving people gifts they can tailor to their own particular desires. Instead of a gift card to a specific restaurant, for instance, you might consider offering them one to a whole collection of possible eateries. That way, they can choose their favorite cuisine or treat their spouse to theirs.
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