Safety Precautions: Comprehensive Guide to Heatstroke Prevention at Construction Sites

With the arrival of the summer heatwave, outdoor construction work faces high environmental temperatures and significant labor intensity, making heatstroke prevention critically important.

Beware: Heatstroke Can Occur Without Direct Sunlight Exposure!

During the summer, scorching heat and high temperatures make outdoor work environments extremely challenging. Frequent occurrences of thunderstorms, strong winds, and other severe weather conditions further exacerbate these risks, making this season a peak period for construction accidents. To ensure safety, it is essential to implement effective measures to prevent heat-related illnesses and protect the lives and property of construction workers.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Heatstroke

• Mild Heatstroke: Symptoms include excessive sweating, thirst, dizziness, tinnitus, chest tightness, palpitations, nausea, fatigue, and a body temperature above 38°C. The skin may feel cool and clammy, with possible signs of low blood pressure.

• Severe Heatstroke: Symptoms escalate to fainting, muscle spasms, dry skin with no sweating, a body temperature exceeding 40°C, and potential respiratory or circulatory failure, which can be life-threatening.

  
  

Note: Early-stage heatstroke can often be alleviated by resting in a cool, air-conditioned environment. However, if it progresses to severe or critical heatstroke, immediate medical attention is required to prevent fatal outcomes.

How to Prevent Heatstroke

1. Implement Work-Rest Cycles

Organize labor schedules based on operational processes and adopt rotation systems to reduce continuous work durations. Conduct regular site inspections and promote awareness of heat prevention and first aid for heatstroke among all workers.

2. Adjust Work Hours

Monitor weather forecasts closely and avoid construction during high-temperature periods. Adjust work and rest schedules to reduce labor intensity and restrict outdoor activities during peak heat hours.

3. Stay Hydrated

In hot weather, drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Workers, especially those in intensive operations such as underground or confined spaces, should avoid drinking ice water, alcoholic, or sugary beverages, as these can increase fluid loss.

Emergency Measures for Heatstroke

If a worker suffers from heatstroke during construction, the following emergency steps should be taken immediately:

1. Cooling and Hydration

Move the patient to a shaded, ventilated area and use a damp towel to cool their face and body, focusing on areas with major blood vessels such as the neck, underarms, and groin. Provide small, frequent amounts of saline water or electrolyte beverages.

2. Revive the Patient

If the patient is unconscious, carefully transport them away from direct sunlight. Stimulate them by pressing acupoints such as the philtrum (under the nose) or the webbing between the thumb and index finger. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration immediately.

3. Seek Medical Attention

For severe cases, transport the patient to a hospital as quickly as possible. If the incident occurs in an underground site, ensure safe and careful transportation. Continue physical cooling during transit to protect vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs.

This guide is intended to enhance safety awareness and minimize risks during summer construction projects. By taking proactive measures, we can ensure a safer and healthier work environment.