High-Tech Heat Protection Bennett Barrier, CEO of DFW Turf Solutions, explains that innovations in protective equipment are revolutionizing the construction industry.
“ In recent years, firms started utilizing wearable technology for heat stress prevention,” he says.
“ Smart vests containing sensors that monitor a worker ' s body heat can alert supervisors when an individual is at risk of heatstroke, so that they can initiate immediate action.”
He adds that a recent National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health( NIOSH) study showed that workers using temperaturemonitoring smart devices experienced fewer heatrelated issues on the job. Together with other government agencies, NIOSH also released a free Heat Safety Tool.
“ Contractors can both maintain worker safety and reduce heat-related accident downtime by investing in technology,” Barrier says.
“ So, while the old ways such as breaks under shaded conditions do work, incorporating smart wearables is the way forward in maintaining your crew ' s safety, health and productivity in the hot months.”
Work Smarter, Not Hotter
If the sun had a clock-in time, it’ d be from noon to 3 p. m.— right when it’ s at its hottest. That’ s why many crews shift summertime schedules to start earlier, knocking out the hardest tasks before the jobsite turns into a broiler.
When adjusting your hours isn’ t an option, strategic break times are essential. No one likes stopping mid-task, but short, scheduled breaks in the shade can keep workers going strong all day. Some jobsites even set up misting fans or cooling stations.
Daniel Roberts, CEO of Lava Roofing, has a lot of experience with taking care of crews in hot weather.
“ Heat stress can be dangerous, and it’ s essential to have a game plan for your team’ s safety when temperatures rise,” he says.“ All contractors need to recognize both heat exhaustion and heat stroke symptoms.”
He recommends that supervisors keep an eye out for early warning signs of heat stress, like dizziness, excessive sweating( or suddenly not sweating at all) and confusion. And, of course, encouraging regular breaks— even when workers
“ feel fine”— to prevent serious heat-related illness.
“ I suggest contractors take scheduled breaks under
KEEP YOUR GEAR IN CHECK: SUMMER HEATPROOFING FOR EQUIPMENT
To be safe, give your construction equipment a once-over before summer really kicks in:
• Cooling systems: Overheated engines mean unexpected downtime, so keep radiators, fans and coolant levels in check.
• Batteries: Since extreme heat shortens battery life, store spares indoors or in a cool, shaded spot. Zakheim suggests an easy solution:“ One of the first things we set up on every jobsite is a“ tool hut,” he says.“ This is just a shady spot with access to power for charging batteries. By keeping our power tools and their batteries cool, we help them to work more efficiently and last longer.”
• Tires: Hot weather makes tire pressure spike and increases the risk of blowouts. Keep an eye on inflation levels.
• Fuel storage: Diesel degrades faster in high heat, so keeping tanks shaded helps maintain fuel quality.
40 April 25, 2025 www. contractorshotline. com