Heatwave and construction: what does the labor code say?

Dear readers, increasingly frequent heatwaves are having a significant impact on the construction sector, highlighting the need to adopt specific measures to ensure the safety of workers. We understand the importance of staying informed about legal obligations and precautions to take during these critical times.

Legal obligations of the labor code in the event of a heatwave for the construction sector

In the construction sector, extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves, pose particular challenges in terms of occupational safety and health. The labor code therefore imposes specific obligations on employers to protect their employees against the risks linked to high heat.

The employer's first obligation is to ensure the safety and protect the health of its workers, under the general principles of prevention set out in the labor code. During heatwaves, this involves increased attention to weather conditions and rapid adjustment of working conditions to minimize the risk of heatstroke, dehydration or other heat-related disorders. The employer must have heat management policies in place which may include, for example, changing working hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

The occupational risk assessment is a mandatory process that all employers must carry out. This assessment must be particularly meticulous in the event of a heatwave. It must identify situations where workers are particularly exposed to heat and evaluate the possibility of reducing this exposure. For example, for outdoor work, the employer must consider the use of suitable personal protective equipment or the provision of provision of means of refreshment (fresh drinking water, shaded areas, air-conditioned rooms for breaks).

Implementing preventive measures is essential to reduce heat-related risks. This may include the provision of suitable workwear, such as light, breathable clothing, installation of shaded areas on construction sites, and the provision of air-conditioned rest rooms. Rearranging tasks so that the most demanding jobs are done during the cooler hours of the day is an effective strategy. On this subject, finding out what summer clothing is appropriate for the construction sector, particularly whether working in shorts is permitted, can be beneficial. For more information, you can consult the article "Can we work in shorts in the building: what summer clothes?". We encourage employers to take these steps proactively, before the heat becomes unbearable, to maintain productivity while keeping workers safe. We encourage employers to take these steps proactively, before the heat becomes unbearable, to maintain productivity while keeping workers safe.

Specific obligations during heatwave periods

Faced with rising summer temperatures, specific obligations must be taken into account by employers in the construction sector to ensure the safety and well-being of workers. These measures are all the more important as outdoor work directly exposes employees to the elements.

When the weather forecast predicts a heatwave, it is important to activate a specific heatwave plan. This plan involves implementing a series of predefined measures to minimize the impact of heat on workers. On our sites, this means the immediate installation of additional water points, shaded and air-conditioned rest areas, and the distribution of mineral salt supplements to prevent dehydration. Each site must adapt the plan to its specificities to guarantee its effectiveness.

An effective strategy for reducing exposure to intense heat is to adapt work schedules. By starting earlier in the morning and finishing earlier in the afternoon, we avoid the hottest hours, which is essential to preserve the health of workers. This measure not only helps maintain productivity but also protects employees against the risk of heat stress. It is important that these changes are clearly communicated and applied consistently across all construction sites.

It is our duty to properly equip our workers so that they can cope with high temperatures without compromising their health. This includes providing suitable work clothing, such as breathable fabric t-shirts, wide-brimmed hats to protect from the sun, and sunglasses for UV protection. In addition, we ensure that each worker has high protection sunscreen to limit the risk of skin burns. This equipment must be of high quality, compliant with current standards, and renewed regularly to guarantee its effectiveness.

These specific measures are not only legal obligations; they represent a commitment to the health and safety of every worker. Rigorous application of these guidelines is beneficial for everyone, ensuring not only the well-being of employees but also the continuity and operational efficiency of ongoing projects.

Temperature thresholds and specific regulations

Temperature management on construction sites is essential, especially during periods of heatwave. To ensure worker safety, it is imperative to follow specific temperature thresholds and implement practical adaptations depending on the intensity of work and the working environment.< /p>

Compliance with the recommended maximum temperature thresholds is necessary to prevent health risks linked to excessive heat. These thresholds help ensure that workers are not exposed to potentially hazardous conditions.

Temperature thresholds for outdoor work must be adjusted according to the physical intensity of the tasks to be performed. For heavy work, such as lifting loads, mixing cement, or using heavy machinery, it is recommended not to exceed an ambient temperature of 30°C. When work is less intense, slightly higher temperatures can be tolerated. However, it is imperative to continue to monitor conditions and adapt practices accordingly.

Working outdoors under the blazing sun requires specific measures to reduce direct exposure to heat. The installation of tents and shade sails is a common practice that should be considered on all exposed construction sites. These structures provide necessary shade, thereby reducing the temperature in immediate work areas and providing increased comfort for workers. Additionally, it is also recommended to set up cooling stations with water misters to allow workers to lower their body temperature during breaks.

These practices, aligned with temperature thresholds and specific recommendations, are essential to maintaining a safe and productive work environment during heatwave periods. It is the responsibility of every employer to proactively implement these measures to protect the health and well-being of all employees on the job site.

Precautions and best practices

In the construction industry, summer conditions pose unique challenges that require meticulous attention to best practices and safety precautions. Adopting preventative measures such as hydration management and organizing breaks can greatly reduce the health risks of workers during heatwave periods.

Dehydration is one of the major risks during heatwaves, particularly on construction sites where physical activity is intense. To counter this risk, we make it a point of honor to guarantee the constant availability of fresh water points. Water dispensers are strategically placed at various locations throughout the construction site to ensure that all workers have easy access to drinking water. This simple but necessary measure helps prevent dehydration, heat stroke and other heat-related complications, ensuring workers stay hydrated and healthy throughout the day.

Recognizing the impact of heat on worker performance and safety, we have implemented a policy of more frequent breaks during the hottest hours of the day. This allows workers to recover and cool down, reducing the risk of heat illness. Working hours are adjusted to allow for extended breaks at midday, when the sun is at its peak, and shaded or air-conditioned areas are provided to provide comfortable resting spaces. These breaks are not only beneficial for the physical health of employees but also help maintain their concentration and efficiency at work.

Worker health monitoring

Monitoring the health of workers on construction sites is essential, especially during the summer months when heat-related risks are increased. Taking a proactive approach to medical monitoring and establishing clear response protocols are essential measures to prevent heat-related emergencies and ensure the safety of all employees.

During heatwave periods, medical surveillance on our sites is intensified. This includes increasing the presence of medical personnel trained specifically on heat hazards, as well as increased use of health monitoring equipment, such as thermometers and hydration measuring devices. These measures allow us to detect any signs of discomfort or heat-related illness early, which is important to intervene effectively before the situation worsens. The health of your workers is your top priority, and this enhanced monitoring is a key component of your commitment to their well-being.

Commitment and vigilance: keys to safety during heatwaves

Within our construction sector, the challenges posed by heatwaves are not to be taken lightly. This article has highlighted the critical importance of understanding and rigorously applying legal requirements, recommended temperature thresholds, and best practices and precautions to keep our workers safe. From implementing dedicated training to proactively managing extreme weather conditions, each measure contributes to a safer working environment that is more aware of heat-related risks.

As professionals, you not only have a responsibility to respect these standards but also to evolve them based on new research and emerging technologies. Your construction sites must be models of prevention and responsiveness, where each worker feels safe and valued. Train your teams and innovate in your practices so that safety is always your top priority, regardless of the temperature.