The Heat is On. Contractors Say They’re Ready.

This is the third in a series of three articles examining the dangers of extreme heat in construction and how contractors plan to keep workers safe this summer. Read the previous story here.

Summer may not officially start until June 20, but the heat is here.

More specifically, areas in the Western U.S. saw temperatures hit triple digits for the first time this year, as a  large heat dome descended over the area, creating sweltering conditions and increasing the risk of wildfires. About  27 million people face scorching temperatures across California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona, according to Axios.

But construction industry leaders say they are prepared for the extreme temperatures like those states feel this week and that this summer will bring. They have plans to beat the heat, educate teams and keep workers cool.

Safety measures begin with understanding the problem, experts say. Extreme heat can lead to a range of accidents and injuries beyond heat illness.

“Data indicates workplace injuries surge during the summer season,” said Paul Haining, chief environmental safety and health officer for Skanska USA. “We assess these heightened risks through our construction work plans and daily hazard analysis, prioritizing the mitigation or elimination of the hazard.”

Related:Extreme Heat Is Deadly. Here’s What Construction Companies Should Do to Protect Workers

To read the rest of this story from Construction Dive, click here.

This is the third in a series of three articles examining the dangers of extreme heat in construction and how contractors plan to keep workers safe this summer. Read the previous story here.