Heat safety sustains schedule momentum
July humidity across the Great Lakes region regularly drives the heat index above 100°F by 10 a.m. On Michigan sitework jobs, core body temperature can rise past 100.4 °F in less than 90 minutes, reducing output and increasing recordable incidents. A Centers for Disease Control field study showed that crews following a structured heat program with shade, rest, and acclimatization reduced heat-related illness by 60 percent compared with ad hoc measures. Learn how Verdeterre Contracting’s job-site climate management service embeds these controls during pre-construction to prevent downtime when temperatures peak.
Acclimatization builds natural tolerance
New crew members should start with 40 percent of a normal shift on day one and increase exposure by no more than 20 percent each subsequent day. A grading team in Livingston County that followed this protocol reached full productivity by day six with zero heat-related medical events. A comparison crew working full shifts on day one experienced a 25 percent drop in productivity and recorded two medical visits.
Shift planning to avoid peak heat
Commencing heavy excavation at first light and pausing high-exertion work between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. shifts the bulk of heat exposure into cooler hours. On a recent Michigan construction sitework contract, this schedule kept daily scraper production 700 cubic yards above a traditional seven-to-three schedule and eliminated the need for makeup shifts.
Hydration stations and balanced electrolytes
Place water coolers within 100 feet of every crew and restock twice daily with water at 50°F. Electrolyte beverages that supply 1,200 milligrams of sodium and 750 milligrams of potassium per gallon replace sweat losses without the risks of salt tablets. A Lansing infrastructure team that adopted this regimen reduced heat cramps by 80 percent.
Wearable monitoring for early alerts
Sensors that track heart rate and skin temperature send alerts to supervisors when readings indicate rising heat strain. University of Michigan studies found that wearable devices lowered lost labor time by 42 percent, as interventions occurred 15 minutes earlier than visual checks alone. Explore Verdeterre Contracting’s wearable safety integration to protect crews without slowing progress.
Mobile cooling infrastructure
Battery-powered misting fans reduce perceived air temperature by up to 15°F, while reflective shade canopies relocate easily with advancing trenches. Combined with cooled break trailers, these measures maintained a 97 percent labor-hour retention rate on a Grand Rapids warehouse pad despite 112 high heat index days last summer.
Implementation checklist
- Post a heat exposure chart at every foreman station before the first high-temperature day.
- Train crew leads to recognize early heat illness signs and implement rest and cooldown protocols.
- Rotate high-exertion tasks so no worker remains in direct sun for more than 60 consecutive minutes.
- Position misting fans and reflective shade tents at advancing work fronts each morning.
- Record temperature, humidity, and rest-break data every two hours for superintendent review.
Protect crew safety and maintain productivity by contacting Verdeterre Contracting’s climate management specialists before the next heat wave arrives.