The challenge
Working in warm or hot conditions can create serious health and safety risks, particularly for construction workers and others carrying out physically demanding work outdoors or in poorly ventilated environments. Heat can lead to dehydration, fatigue, concentration problems, and heat-related illness, increasing the likelihood of accidents and reducing workers’ ability to work safely.
A practical prevention tool
Volandis represent the knowledge and advisory centre of the social partners in the Dutch construction industry. Volandus have now created a toolbox on safe working in warmth and heat to help employers, supervisors, and workers recognise heat-related risks and take timely preventive measures. The toolbox translates occupational health and safety guidance into practical advice that can be discussed directly on site, making it easier to raise awareness and agree on concrete actions before and during periods of hot weather.
How the toolbox works
The toolbox can be used as the basis for a short workplace discussion or instruction session. It highlights common signs of heat stress and encourages practical measures such as drinking enough water, taking breaks, adapting work schedules where possible, using shade or ventilation, and paying attention to colleagues who may be more vulnerable to heat. By presenting the topic in an accessible way, the toolbox supports shared responsibility for preventing heat-related health problems.
Wider potential
As periods of extreme heat become more frequent, practical tools such as this toolbox are increasingly relevant for protecting workers’ health and maintaining safe working conditions. The approach is easy to adapt to other sectors where employees work outdoors, perform physically demanding tasks, or are exposed to high temperatures in indoor workplaces.
