This isn’t just the prime building season; it is also the hottest month of the year. With long days of heat and humidity, Utah general contractors need to be careful. Without planning and consideration, contractors can end up suffering from dehydration, sunstroke, or sever cases of sunburn. These warm weather issues are more than just an inconvenience, they can lead to lost time on the job and lost wages. Here are some ways that general contractors can beat the heat. 

Stay Hydrated: While this tip may seem obvious, dehydration is a common problem treated in emergency rooms and walk-in clinics during the summer months. Make sure you take frequent breaks to get something to drink. While sports drinks help replenish vital fluids, nothing is better for your body than water. And remember, if you are thirsty, you are showing the first symptom of dehydration. 

Spend time in the shade: Make sure you spend some time in the shade or in a building with air conditioning to cool off. This helps to keep your core body temperature low and reduces the chances of sunstroke or dehydration. 

Plan your work: Whenever possible, try to do the most labor intensive activities in the early morning hours, which is the coolest time of the day. And avoid during labor intensive activities between noon and three in the afternoon, the hottest time of the day. This will help reduce the chances of heat stroke and will allow you the opportunity to rest during the hottest part of the day. 

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen: If the majority of your projects are outdoors, don’t forget to apply sunscreen every day. Then make sure you reapply it before the work day is through. Even sports sunscreens will need reapplication if you are sweating a lot while you are working. Above all else, use common sense when planning and implementing projects during the hottest days of the year. This will help you to make sure that you can complete your projects without jeopardizing your health or the health of your subcontractors.