Workers in France Endure Intense Heatwave
News Article: Coping with Summer Heatwaves in Construction Sites
In response to the scorching temperatures that have been reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius in the metal sheet metal workshop, the company has implemented several measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees.
Scheduling Adjustments
To avoid the peak midday heat, the company has shifted work hours to early mornings and late afternoons. Additionally, they have introduced split shifts to allow workers to rotate and recover. Heavy or strenuous tasks are now scheduled during cooler parts of the day.
Hydration
The importance of hydration during these hot conditions cannot be overstated. The company provides ample clean, cold drinking water throughout the site, making water breaks frequent and mandatory. Electrolyte drinks are offered to replenish salts and minerals lost through sweating. Caffeine and sugary drinks are avoided during working hours as they exacerbate dehydration.
Rest and Cooling Areas
Shaded rest stations with fans have been set up, providing workers with a cool place to relax. The frequency of rest breaks has been increased during hot periods.
Protective Clothing and Equipment
Workers are encouraged to wear light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing, along with hats or other sun protection. Tools and equipment that reduce manual exertion have been used to limit heat exposure.
Training and Awareness
The company has educated its workers and supervisors to recognize symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Safety talks and training sessions on heat stress prevention have been conducted. A buddy system has been implemented to monitor co-workers for signs of illness.
Environmental Controls and Monitoring
Daily assessments of weather and humidity conditions are conducted to adjust work plans accordingly. Real-time weather monitoring and forecasting are used to anticipate extreme heat events and respond proactively.
Emergency Procedures
Protocols for immediate response to heat illness have been prepared. These include moving the affected worker to a cool place, loosening clothing, applying wet cloths, or immersion in cool water when safe.
In addition, anti-heat vests have been provided for employees, and fans have been installed in the workshop to create air currents. The temperature in the workshop is closely monitored to ensure it remains within safe limits.
The company's manager, Georges Eliot, prioritizes the safety of employees, stating, "We try to be very careful, the employees, they're our only assets."
Elsewhere, the Rhône prefecture has suspended all outdoor construction sites in the metropolis from noon to 10 pm due to the heat. Companies working on the construction sites in Lyon are adapting to the suspension of work. Some workers welcome the suspension, comparing it to not working in winter when temperatures are extremely low.
The suspension of construction sites is in response to the prospect of a peak temperature of 40 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. The suspension will last until the end of the red alert, with risks of heat-related complications.
It is observed that it is easier to fight against the cold than against the heat, shared by many companies. The prefecture has stated that the suspension of construction sites may lead to delays. Despite this, the company remains vigilant, ensuring that necessary measures are in place to protect its employees from the heatwaves.
[1] Construction Executive. (2018). 5 Strategies for Coping with Extreme Heat During Summer Construction Work. Retrieved from https://www.constructionexecutive.com/articles/9626-5-strategies-for-coping-with-extreme-heat-during-summer-construction-work
[2] Safety + Health Magazine. (2017). How to Protect Workers from the Heat. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/index.html
[3] Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Heat Illness Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/index.html
[4] National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (n.d.). Heat Stress. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/
[5] American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. (n.d.). Thermal Comfort. Retrieved from https://www.ashrae.org/resources--publications/books/handbook/2017-handbook-fundamentals/thermal-comfort-fundamentals
- In the midst of the summer heatwave, the company, aware of the importance of mental health alongside physical well-being in the workplace, has organized French language workshops to help its employees cope with the stress of the hot conditions.
- To understand the impacts of summer heatwaves on health and wellness, the company's management has been following research in the field of science, seeking insights to better address employee concerns in the heat.
- In an effort to foster a holistic approach to workplace wellness, the company is considering integrating mental health programs in addition to its existing measures for dealing with extreme heat conditions, recognizing that employee well-being entails consideration of both physical and psychological health aspects. Additionally, the company is aware that mental health can be influenced by factors such as weather, and they intend to ensure mental health support is provided even during adverse weather conditions.
