Heat Safety on the Jobsite: Preparing for the Demands of Summer

ARTICLE SOURCE: Jeff Turnmire, Senior Safety Director

Atlanta, GA – August 5, 2026 — As temperatures rise, heat exposure becomes one of the most significant seasonal challenges facing construction projects. Unlike many jobsite hazards that are visible and immediate, heat-related illnesses often develop gradually, making them easy to overlook until a worker’s health and safety are already at risk.

For subcontractors and field teams, summer conditions create a unique combination of challenges. Long hours outdoors, physically demanding work, direct sun exposure, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can place considerable stress on the body throughout the day. Even experienced workers who are accustomed to working in hot environments can be affected when temperatures and humidity reach extreme levels.

More Than Just Chugging Water

Heat-related illnesses range from mild dehydration and heat cramps to more serious conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While these conditions can develop gradually, their impact on the jobsite can be immediate. Fatigue, reduced focus, slower reaction times, and impaired decision-making all increase the risk of incidents, equipment damage, and injuries.

One of the most effective defenses against heat-related illness is proper hydration. During periods of elevated temperatures, workers can lose significant amounts of fluid through perspiration, even when performing routine tasks. Unfortunately, many people treat hydration as a reaction instead of a strategy.

By the time you’re thirsty, your body is already working harder to regulate its temperature and maintain performance. Trying to make up for lost fluids by quickly chugging a bottle of water isn’t always the answer. Effective hydration starts before symptoms appear and involves more than simply drinking water throughout the day.

1. Eat Your Water

2. The 10 Gulp Rule

A common mistake on jobsites is taking a quick sip of water and getting right back to work. Small, infrequent drinks often aren’t enough to keep pace with the amount of fluid being lost during a hot day.

Instead, build hydration into your routine. Every time you stop for water, take several deep gulps rather than a single sip. The goal isn’t to drink excessive amounts at once, but to consistently replenish fluids throughout the day. As a general guideline, workers performing moderate activity in warm conditions should aim for about one cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Target the Blood Vessels

Sometimes the fastest way to cool down isn’t drinking more water—it’s helping your body release heat more efficiently.

If you start feeling overheated, move to a shaded area and apply a cold, wet towel or ice pack to areas where major blood vessels run close to the skin. The wrists, armpits, neck, inside of the elbows, and behind the knees are especially effective cooling points. By cooling the blood circulating through these areas, the body can lower its core temperature more quickly and recover faster.

4. Dilute Your Sugars

Many workers reach for sports drinks or energy beverages when temperatures soar. While these drinks can have a place, many contain large amounts of sugar and caffeine that may not support hydration as effectively as expected.

A better approach is to make water your primary source of hydration and use other beverages strategically. Drinking water before consuming caffeinated drinks can help offset fluid loss, while diluting 100% fruit juices with water can reduce sugar intake and create a more balanced hydration option.

5. Arrive Hydrated

One of the biggest hydration mistakes happens before the workday even starts.

Research has shown that 40% to 70% of workers arrive at work already dehydrated, placing them at a disadvantage before they ever step onto the jobsite. Once dehydration begins, it becomes much more difficult to stay ahead of heat stress throughout the day.

Hydration should be viewed as a 24-hour cycle, not something that only happens during working hours. Replacing fluids after work, drinking water throughout the evening, and starting the morning properly hydrated can significantly improve the body’s ability to handle summer conditions.

While prevention is always the goal, workers should also understand how to identify heat-related illnesses and respond appropriately when symptoms begin to appear.

Heat-related illnesses rarely appear without warning. The body typically sends signals that it’s struggling to regulate temperature and maintain proper hydration. The key is recognizing those signals early and responding before the situation becomes an emergency.

Unfortunately, many symptoms can be mistaken for simple fatigue or exhaustion from a long day of work. That’s why workers should monitor not only themselves but also the people around them.

Heat stress and dehydration can present themselves in a variety of ways, including:

• Headaches
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Muscle cramps
• Weakness or unusual fatigue
• Dry mouth or persistent thirst
• Dark-colored urine
• Flushed or unusually warm skin
• Swelling in the feet or hands
• Chills despite hot conditions
• Rapid heart rate
• Confusion, poor decision-making, or unusual behavior
• Fainting or loss of consciousness

First Aid for Dehydration

When someone begins showing signs of dehydration or heat stress, the priority is to stabilize the individual, reduce body temperature, and seek additional medical assistance if needed.

Move the person to a shaded or air-conditioned area and encourage them to sit down and rest. Remaining calm is important, as anxiety and panic can increase physical stress on the body. If the individual is alert and able to drink, provide small, steady sips of water or an electrolyte-replacement beverage rather than large amounts all at once.

Help cool the body by removing unnecessary outer layers of clothing and applying cool towels or ice packs to the neck, wrists, armpits, and other high-blood-flow areas. Continue monitoring the person’s condition, paying attention to breathing, responsiveness, and overall appearance.

Heat exhaustion can progress quickly into a life-threatening emergency. If a worker becomes disoriented, loses consciousness, is unable to keep fluids down, or shows signs of severe confusion, call 911 immediately.

While waiting for emergency responders, continue cooling efforts and closely monitor the individual’s condition. Quick action during the first few minutes can make a significant difference in the outcome.

A Shared Responsibility

Maintaining a safe jobsite is a collective effort. Owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and supervisors all play a role in preventing heat-related illnesses and creating an environment where workers feel comfortable speaking up when something feels wrong.

At Evans, safety is one of our core values. Through heat illness awareness, access to hydration resources, appropriate rest periods, and ongoing jobsite communication, we remain committed to supporting a safe and productive work environment.

Summer conditions are an expected part of construction, but heat-related incidents do not have to be. Through preparation and awareness, we can help protect our workforce and keep projects moving safely and effectively.