Construction companies operating outdoors in Alicante have launched a focused safety drive to cope with the heat lingering after a lengthy heat wave. Similar to how farmers pause at noon to avoid heat stress, the Public Works Employers Association has put in place self-protection measures to safeguard workers’ health on site.
The workday now begins at 6 am and ends at 2 pm. Each crew designates a person responsible for providing clean drinking water, while showers are made available whenever possible. Working on asphalt demands different precautions than building construction, and shaded rest areas are provided along with hydration breaks. Roughly every hour spent outdoors, workers take a ten-minute break in the shade to rehydrate, according to the Public Works Federation guidelines.
The Saharan-style heat wave is easing today, with temperatures not expected to exceed 34 degrees, about twelve degrees lower than yesterday, and expected to persist through the weekend as the third August heat burst subsides. However, nights will remain oppressive due to high coastal humidity. The University of Alicante Climatology Laboratory notes occasional coastal humidity patterns that can push perceived heat to dangerous levels, with thermal sensations approaching extreme heat on humid evenings. For instance, a wind chill equivalent to 51 degrees was noted yesterday afternoon when the air reached 37 degrees with 60% humidity along the Alicante coast.
Heat-related injuries demand immediate attention. If untreated, heat exposure can swiftly affect the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. Delays in treatment increase the risk of serious complications or death, underscoring the urgency of rapid response and proper cooling measures.
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Practical tips emphasize avoiding sun exposure during peak hours from 12 to 5 pm and steering clear of prolonged direct sun. If fatigue or dizziness appears, seek a cool, ventilated space and loosen restrictive clothing.
Human thermoregulation maintains core body temperature around 37°C (±1°C) through a combination of physiological and behavioral responses. Blood vessels dilate to move heat toward the skin, the skin reddens, and sweat glands increase perspiration to dissipate heat. When activity is intense and the environment is extremely hot, these mechanisms may not suffice, risking abnormal core temperature and heat-related illness.
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The Construction Labor Foundation notes the sizable number of outdoor projects in the industry and the potential severity of heat-related damage. It recommends incorporating environmental risk factors into preventive management and developing concrete action plans to mitigate adverse effects observed in studies.
Company interventions should focus on organizational measures. Key steps include implementing a phased acclimatization process to boost workers’ tolerance to heat, ensuring water remains readily available and regularly replenished, and establishing reliable resting areas with shelter and cooler air when possible.
Additional strategies include reducing the physical load during the hottest periods, redistributing tasks with high physical demand, and employing mechanical aids to limit exertion. Regular breaks should be scheduled, shaded spaces should be provided, and building interiors should offer air-conditioned environments where feasible. Work schedules can be adapted to start earlier to avoid peak heat hours.