Electrolyte powders, sports drinks, coconut water and even salty snacks can help keep electrolyte levels balanced.
the stage for a productive next day.
“ Recovery is just as important as working smart during the day,” confirms Roberts.
“ Workers should replenish electrolytes with drinks like coconut water or specialized hydration solutions. After a hot day, getting off your feet and soaking in a cool bath can help soothe sore muscles. On top of that, maintaining a balanced diet with protein, fruits and veggies helps restore energy levels.”
Electrolyte powders, sports drinks, coconut water and even salty snacks can help keep electrolyte levels balanced.
shaded or air-conditioned conditions,” says Roberts.“ The working duration should be limited to an hour along with a 10-minute scheduled break as a general guideline.”
In recent years, companies have become more willing to take time out for worker safety. Zakheim explains the stance his firm and many others have adopted.
“ One policy we implemented is hard limits on safe working weather,” he shares.“ If the heat index is above a certain limit, we ' ll stop work for the day. It ' s definitely not the way the industry used to work, but it ' s a sensible way to keep everyone safe.”
Don’ t Sweat the Hot Stuff
Yes, staying hydrated is nonnegotiable, but pounding water all day can actually backfire. When you sweat, you’ re losing electrolytes— sodium, potassium and magnesium— that water alone won’ t replace. Instead, it can leave you feeling weighed down.
If you’ ve ever chugged a gallon of water and still felt sluggish, that’ s why. Instead, electrolyte powders, sports drinks, coconut water and even salty snacks can help keep electrolyte levels balanced.
Then, taking time to recharge after a hard day’ s work can set
It’ s Not Just You— Equipment Struggles, Too
Heat takes a toll on people and machinery. Hydraulic systems can overheat, batteries drain faster and tires become ticking time bombs when temperatures soar.
Palley says that while most heavy equipment is built to tolerate heat when it’ s well maintained, smaller tools are a different story.
“ Hand tools, especially battery-powered ones, tend to overheat, leading to performance issues,” he says.“ Storing tools in the shade and keeping multiple spare tools and batteries on hand are essential strategies to keep these items from wearing out.”
Summer doesn’ t have to be a season of suffering. Wearable cooling tech, breaks, proper hydration( and nutrition), as well as vehicle maintenance will keep your crews safe, equipment running and projects moving forward. With the right preparation, the heat won’ t slow you or your projects down.
www. contractorshotline. com April 25, 2025 41