When Heat Becomes a Safety Hazard
Rising temperatures can create serious risks for operators, riggers and ground crews
BY T. J. CANTWELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NCCCOF
The sun and its heat can be enjoyable when on vacation, and especially when relaxing. However, working in extreme heat, especially under difficult conditions, can lead to heat stress, an important but often overlooked safety hazard. As we approach the summer months across the U. S., the NCCCO Foundation( NCCCOF) is working to raise awareness around the dangers of heat stress in the crane industry.
Recent research and resources developed by the NCCCOF in collaboration with the National Safety Council
( NSC) highlight the frequent and high risk of heat stress that people working in cranes experience.
Being warm or becoming hot while outside during the summer is not unusual and in fact is often the desired outcome; however, when the body absorbs more heat than it can release, it causes heat stress. Heat stress can have significant personal negative health effects, and when working, can also have a negative impact on the safety of those working around them.
Under heat stress, the body becomes unable to regulate its internal temperature through biological responses such as sweating and increased blood flow. People working on a construction site, especially those working with cranes, are subject to many of the conditions that can lead from being just hot to experiencing heat stress. Factors such as high temperatures, humidity, wearing heavy clothing, poor hydration and intense physical activity are just a few of the environmental and personal physical factors that can lead to increased risk of heat stress.
In a survey conducted by the NCCCOF and NSC, crane operators reported that heat
12 July 24, 2026 www. contractorshotline. com