As the seasons move from raging winds to blistering heat, the scaffolding hazards we need to manage change. 

You may think that the dry, more predictable climate of the summer season would be a utopia for scaffolders. No slippery surfaces, no torrential rain in your face.

And sure; that’s great. We’re hardly the biggest fans of soggy boots and limbs that shiver so much they rattle.

But, summer does bring with it its own risks. These risks are just as dangerous and just as crucial to prevent than any in the depths of winter.

Hazards in scaffolding never disappear; they just adapt as the environment around us changes.

For many of us here in the UK, we’re currently in the midst of an actual summer. Long, sunny – sometimes roasting – days have become the norm. This means there are a new set of scaffolding hazards and controls we need to account for. 

Therefore, as things start to heat up and workers begin to return on-site, it’s important that we are aware of these new risks and put the measures in place to protect our staff.

1 – Sunburn and heatstroke

It isn’t rocket science, but it is often forgotten. 

The very nature of scaffolding means that you are outside for long periods of time. In the summer months, when UV is far higher, you’re exposing yourself to the risk of sunburn and heatstroke, as well as serious long term effects such as skin cancer if you don’t stay protected.

Even just a twinge of heat exhaustion can be a game changer. If you don’t treat it quick enough, it can lead to considerable internal damage.

Essentially, the key is to apply high factor sun cream (ideally SPF30 plus) every morning before you even leave the house and keep applying it throughout the day. Whenever possible, you can also wear a brimmed hat (aka when a hard hat isn’t required) and shield your face from direct rays. You can also look at what PPE hard hats you’re using as there are more breathable options on the market.

The key things to keep an eye on are any signs of nausea, fatigue, dizzy spells, headaches or muscle cramps. The second you spot these, get in touch with your site manager immediately.

2 – Hydration

Just as important is the need to keep staff hydrated.

Dehydration is a massive issue for scaffolders, particularly when faced with a scorcher. 

You don’t want to wait until you’re hardly able to walk in a straight line to throw the H2O down your neck. Keep plenty of water bottles on site in shaded areas – not only will this keep the water cool, it will also force your staff to take a few moments away from the sun.

3 – Challenging air quality

In summer, the air quality dips thanks to the fight between pollutants and heat. You’re also going to find yourself battling a mass of pollen; and with 1 in 5 people in the UK experiencing from some form of hay fever, chances are there’s going to be someone on your site suffering.

A lot of this will come down to the individual – for example, bringing their medication and inhalers to work – but sometimes you might need to supply some extra eye and face protection for those spending long hours outdoors.

The best bet? Have an extra supply in the yard. The moment the poor air quality starts to impact your workers, hand them out. Problem solved.

4 – Hand protection and grip

Hot weather and oodles of sweat are a sure fire way to one, glaring outcome: clammy hands.

This is a huge red flag in scaffolding; clammy hands can lead to tools sliding from our grip and falling onto people below. They can also cause you to lose your stability when your hand slips, often culminating in serious falls.

The best way to keep sweaty hands at bay is lightweight, breathable scaffolders gloves. This will keep your grip sturdy and safe while stopping you from overheating and feeling uncomfortable.

5 – Explosions

We’ve saved the big one for last – explosions. 

Heat can cause pressurised cans to amp up the pressure and explode. This is more common than you might think, with items such as aerosol cans often found on site.

Keep any pressurised can out of direct sunlight wherever possible, and keep a close watch on any items that could be at risk of explosion.

Skill Scaffolding is here to help. If you need a hand ensuring you have the safest and most efficient scaffolders on site, get in touch with the team.