The sun gives us light, warmth, and even some vitamin D. Unfortunately, it can also be harmful. And nobody understands the sun’s power better than those who spend their days working under it. Just about anyone on a construction site, especially in the summertime, will tell you that beautiful sunshine has the potential to be highly hazardous. A temporary shade structure is one of the best ways to combat this issue.
Since a healthy construction crew is a vital part of any construction site, making smart decisions – like investing in a temporary shade structure – can result in a safe, productive team. And that is always good for your future success.
Dangers of Working in the Sun
Providing your construction workers with a temporary shade structure gives them a chance to get out of the sun for a bit. So, what are the dangers of working in the sun?
- Sunburn
- Dizziness
- Eye irritation
- Sweating
- Confusion
- Dehydration
- Fainting
- Cramps
- Heatstroke
When combined with the below, the risk of heat illnesses increases.
- Dehydration
- Age – especially those over 60 years of age
- Certain medications
- Alcohol use
- High levels of humidity
- Certain health conditions
And, of course, lack of shaded space to cool down.
Temporary Shade Structures: Tips for Staying Safe
Construction crews can take a few precautions to stay safe in the sun.
Appropriate Clothing
Wearing the right clothes can make all the difference when dealing with the sun. Stick to light colors and clothes that are made with cooling technology. The best bet is to cover as much skin as possible. It is also important to wear proper eye protection while on the job.
Stay Hydrated
Having water on the construction site is essential. Many workers bring their own, but you cannot always assume they will when the sun is beaming; it’s necessary to ensure proper hydration.
Take breaks in a Temporary Shade Structure
Since most construction sites do not have shaded space available, providing this on your own becomes necessary. Always ensure the crew is taking breaks in the shade, as overdoing it in the sun can have grave consequences.
The Benefits of a Temporary Shade Structure
The benefits that come with a temporary shade shelter will allow you to give your employees relief from the sun – and they can easily be moved with you to every construction site. You will notice the following benefits, too:
Provides an Instant Cooling Station
Temporary shade structures provide instant cooling shades, which are much appreciated on a hot day. Using fans, misters, or even an HVAC system, you can provide a space for workers to cool down and find relief from the heat. Even a few minutes now and then may reduce heat-related illness and injuries.
Offers Incentive to Break
Sure, you want your crew to stay productive and not hang around in your temporary shade structure all day. However, you also want them to stay safe and healthy so they can continue working for you. On a hot day with no shade, most want to push through their pain to get it done faster so they can go home. With a shade structure, your crew has the incentive to stop, break, and rehydrate themselves. After all, hydration is crucial when working in the sun.
Protect More Than Your Crew
Believe it or not, temporary shade structures for construction sites protect more than just those working there. They can also protect your machinery, equipment, tools, and the like. See, the sun can cause damage to everything left out in it – including everything you need to finish the job. By taking the proactive approach to house everything in a structure, you are ensuring that it will be in solid working order when needed.
More Productive Employees
Construction workers who spend all day in the hot sun will eventually burn out. Pun intended. Day in and day out in extreme heat can make them tired and weak. And there is a good chance that if you compare productivity levels in the early afternoon, you will likely find that the latter has a significantly lower productivity rate.
Give your employees a place to find temporary relief, and they can keep going strong all day long.
Healthier Work Environment
Speaking of productivity, have you ever heard that happy employees are more productive at work? Studies show this is true. Offering your workers a temporary shade structure shows that you care about their health, safety, and overall well-being. This can lead to more satisfied workers and more significant output. In other words, creating a healthy, happy work environment benefits employees and the business.
Temporary Shade Structure: A Worthy Investment
If you are on the fence about investing in a temporary shade structure to battle heat on your construction site, we’ve got something you want to consider. While these structures work beautifully for hot summer days, as evidenced above, their use doesn’t stop there.
Temporary shade structures work well for winter months, too. Construction crews working outdoors deal with new dangers when the temperature drops. Thankfully, to counteract it, you can use your temporary shade structure. Rather than a cooling station, consider it a heating station.
The same benefits apply, just a different season and a different temperature.
Keeping your construction crew healthy and safe is essential for your project. But spending days in the sun exposed to high temperatures can be difficult. It is vital to take steps to reduce this risk.
Because temporary structures for construction sites can come with many benefits, they are the ideal solution. They offer instant cooling stations, incentives to take a break and hydrate, and can boost employee productivity. Plus, they can be used year-round at every job site.
