When it gets hot, the health risks increase for everyone working on construction sites. The German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the construction industry (BG BAU) points this out. The BG BAU’s heat action plans provide guidance on how to get through the hot period.

“The risk of heat stress should never be underestimated, as heat-related illnesses can be fatal in the worst case scenario,” says Bernhard Arenz, Head of the Prevention Department at BG BAU. “Working physically hard in the heat increases the body’s own heat production even more. This puts a strain on the circulation and impairs the ability to concentrate, which can lead to more accidents at work. Above all, however, those affected risk life-threatening heatstroke,” says Arenz.

Heat action plans for construction sites

In order to reduce the health risks posed by heat for employees on construction sites, forward-looking planning and the right preventative measures at the workplace are required. The BG BAU has therefore developed heat action plans specifically for the construction industry. With the help of interactive checklists, companies can check the risks posed by high temperatures in good time and determine the necessary protective measures and adapt them to the respective situation. The heat action plans are available for indoor and outdoor construction sites. Further information can be found on the BG BAU website.