b'Take Breaks, Buddy Up: Tipssigns of heat stress like dizziness or fatigue. for Beating the HeatWhat types of PPE are best for hot weather? Ventilated hard hats, heat buddies and electrolyteFor hot weather, we use light-colored, loose-fitting and drinks are just a few of the ways that Curran Youngbreathable clothingideally moisture-wicking shirts. Construction helps keep workers cool.Ventilated hard hats and gloves help reduce heat retention.As summer kicks off, contractors throughout the U.S. areOn extreme heat days, we provide cooling vests and turning their attention to keeping workers cool during thebandanas. When its safe to do so, workers are rotated out years hottest days.of heavy PPE during low-risk tasks to minimize heat buildup. Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are silent threats for outdoor workers, and projects in places likeDo you shift your working hours during the summer? Florida and California have already faced stifling weatherYes, we adjust our schedules to avoid peak heat hours, conditions this year. Heat indices were expected to jumptypically between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. The heaviest labor is to 105 degrees this week in Orlando, Florida, according toscheduled for early morning or late afternoon whenever Fox 35, and a heat wave in Southern California promptedpossible. This helps reduce heat exposure and keeps an advisory in Los Angeles while sparking wildfireproductivity high without compromising safety. concerns, the Los Angeles Times reported. For Bonita Springs, Florida-based Curran YoungWhat else do you think construction pros should know Construction, safety managers are accustomed to dealingabout this important issue? with sweltering summers, according to Tom Younger,Heat safety isnt just about staying cool, its about saving general superintendent.lives. Every crew should have a clear emergency response plan, including how to identify heat exhaustion versus heat Here, Construction Dive talks with Younger aboutstroke and when to call 911.adjusting to hot weather, tips for battling high temperatures and how to select the right PPE.Ongoing training, proactive supervision and a strong culture of safety communication can make all the difference. This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. CONSTRUCTION DIVE: What types of precautionsJennifer Goodman do you take to keep workers safe during the hottestLead Editorsummer days? TOM YOUNGER: At CYC, we follow strict heat safety protocols, especially in the peak summer months. This includes mandatory water breaks every 15 to 20 minutes with electrolyte drinks encouraged for extended shifts.We also provide shaded recovery areas and enforce 10- to 15-minute rest breaks every hour. Cooling stations with fans, misting systems and portable AC are set up on site, and supervisors actively monitor weather conditions and worker hydration, especially for newer team members. Why is acclimatization so important and how do you facilitate that? Acclimatization is critical because most heat-related incidents happen in the first few days on the job. The body needs time to build up tolerance to high temperatures. That means that gradual exposure is not optional, its essential.We start new or returning workers with just 20% of a normal workload and gradually increase it over seven to 14 days. Theyre given extra breaks, paired with experienced heat buddies and closely supervised for 10'