Safety isn’ t a delay. In fact, it’ s the best way to protect your progress.
In the cab of a crane high above a jobsite, heat exposure becomes an invisible threat. Operators must stay hydrated, alert, and equipped with proper ventilation to maintain focus and safety during long summer shifts.
used to the heat may not recognize the danger signs until it’ s too late.
That’ s why every project should include acclimatization protocols like easing new team members into full workloads, monitoring them closely and even providing buddy systems. Because nobody should be left to“ figure it out” when their health is on the line.
Also worth noting is that certain medications, underlying health issues and even diet( too much caffeine or salty food) can elevate the risk of heat stress. Site leaders should be aware of these, and crews should feel empowered to speak up.
Safety isn’ t a delay. In fact, it’ s the best way to protect your progress.
Leadership Imperative
Project managers and equipment coordinators must control the culture. If your team sees you cutting corners or shrugging off summer safety, they’ ll follow your lead.
However, if you’ re enforcing cool-down breaks, praising proactive reporting and investing in comfort infrastructure, that sets the tone that people’ s safety is priority one.
The sun’ s not the enemy, but ignoring its effects is. Crane operations require maximum precision, constant communication and peak mental focus. Heat undermines all three.
Don’ t leave safety in the shade this summer. Build smarter by protecting even better.
Michelle Marsh is the Senior Vice President of Environmental, Health and Safety( EHS) at AWP Safety, a traffic safety company with over 1 million work zones secured annually.
14 August 22, 2025 www. contractorshotline. com