Scorch-Proof Your Jobsite

As the weather warms up, jobsites start feeling less like construction zones and more like open-air saunas. Along with being uncomfortable, heat drains energy, slows productivity, wears on equipment and can become downright dangerous.

Surviving the summer swelter takes more than guzzling water and hoping for the best. Smart scheduling, the right gear and strategic planning can make all the difference. We talked with some pros to get their top tips for keeping things cool when the jobsite feels like the inside of an oven.

Suit Up for the Sun

“Shade is essential to staying cool and safe on the jobsite,” says Jonathan Palley, CEO at Clever Tiny Homes. “Working under canopies is a good idea whenever possible, but your clothing is also important here.”

In fact, the wrong clothes can turn a tough job into a miserable one. Heavy cotton acts like a sweat sponge, and dark colors soak up heat faster than blacktop in July.

“Light colors, long sleeves and breathable fabrics are key,” says Bar Zakheim, CEO of Better Place Design & Build.

“I steer my employees away from anything heavy, like denim, and encourage them to bring at least one change of lighter clothes with them. This makes it easier to adapt to conditions. In terms of PPE [personal protective equipment], hardhats with built-in sun visors are a great choice, as are breathable steel-toed shoes.”

Along with lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that pull sweat away from skin, some workwear brands offer built-in sun protection with UV-blocking technology without adding extra layers.

Vented hard hats improve airflow and sweat-wicking gloves help hands-on workers get a grip on even the hottest days. For those laboring in extreme heat, cooling vests can be a game-changer — just soak them in water, and they help regulate body temperature for hours.

High-Tech Heat Protection

Bennett Barrier, CEO of DFW Turf Solutions, explains that innovations in protective equipment are revolutionizing the construction industry. 

“In recent years, firms started utilizing wearable technology for heat stress prevention,” he says.

“Smart vests containing sensors that monitor a worker's body heat can alert supervisors when an individual is at risk of heatstroke, so that they can initiate immediate action.”

He adds that a recent National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study showed that workers using temperature-monitoring smart devices experienced fewer heat-related issues on the job. Together with other government agencies, NIOSH also released a free Heat Safety Tool. 

“Contractors can both maintain worker safety and reduce heat-related accident downtime by investing in technology,” Barrier says.

“So, while the old ways such as breaks under shaded conditions do work, incorporating smart wearables is the way forward in maintaining your crew's safety, health and productivity in the hot months.”

Work Smarter, Not Hotter

If the sun had a clock-in time, it’d be from noon to 3 p.m. — right when it’s at its hottest. That’s why many crews shift summertime schedules to start earlier, knocking out the hardest tasks before the jobsite turns into a broiler.

When adjusting your hours isn’t an option, strategic break times are essential. No one likes stopping mid-task, but short, scheduled breaks in the shade can keep workers going strong all day. Some jobsites even set up misting fans or cooling stations.

Daniel Roberts, CEO of Lava Roofing, has a lot of experience with taking care of crews in hot weather.

“Heat stress can be dangerous, and it’s essential to have a game plan for your team’s safety when temperatures rise,” he says. “All contractors need to recognize both heat exhaustion and heat stroke symptoms.”

He recommends that supervisors keep an eye out for early warning signs of heat stress, like dizziness, excessive sweating (or suddenly not sweating at all) and confusion. And, of course, encouraging regular breaks — even when workers “feel fine” — to prevent serious heat-related illness.

“I suggest contractors take scheduled breaks under shaded or air-conditioned conditions,” says Roberts. “The working duration should be limited to an hour along with a 10-minute scheduled break as a general guideline.”

In recent years, companies have become more willing to take time out for worker safety. Zakheim explains the stance his firm and many others have adopted.

“One policy we implemented is hard limits on safe working weather,” he shares. “If the heat index is above a certain limit, we'll stop work for the day. It's definitely not the way the industry used to work, but it's a sensible way to keep everyone safe.”

Don’t Sweat the Hot Stuff

Yes, staying hydrated is non-negotiable, but pounding water all day can actually backfire. When you sweat, you’re losing electrolytes — sodium, potassium and magnesium — that water alone won’t replace. Instead, it can leave you feeling weighed down.

If you’ve ever chugged a gallon of water and still felt sluggish, that’s why. Instead, electrolyte powders, sports drinks, coconut water and even salty snacks can help keep electrolyte levels balanced.

Then, taking time to recharge after a hard day’s work can set the stage for a productive next day.

“Recovery is just as important as working smart during the day,” confirms Roberts.

“Workers should replenish electrolytes with drinks like coconut water or specialized hydration solutions. After a hot day, getting off your feet and soaking in a cool bath can help soothe sore muscles. On top of that, maintaining a balanced diet with protein, fruits and veggies helps restore energy levels.”

It’s Not Just You — Equipment Struggles, Too

Heat takes a toll on people and machinery. Hydraulic systems can overheat, batteries drain faster and tires become ticking time bombs when temperatures soar.

Palley says that while most heavy equipment is built to tolerate heat when it’s well maintained, smaller tools are a different story.

“Hand tools, especially battery-powered ones, tend to overheat, leading to performance issues,” he says. “Storing tools in the shade and keeping multiple spare tools and batteries on hand are essential strategies to keep these items from wearing out.”

Summer doesn’t have to be a season of suffering. Wearable cooling tech, breaks, proper hydration (and nutrition), as well as vehicle maintenance will keep your crews safe, equipment running and projects moving forward. With the right preparation, the heat won’t slow you or your projects down.