The OPPBTP publishes a guide of recommendations to deal with high heat on construction sites

Global warming leads to increasingly frequent and intense heat waves, which affect the health, safety and productivity of workers, particularly in the construction and public works trades.

Faced with this risk, the construction sector must protect people's health and improve working conditions to guarantee business continuity in the best possible conditions. In order to help them better anticipate episodes of high heat, organize and implement preventive actions, the OPPBTP publishes a guide of recommendations “High heat and heat waves on worksites”.

In 2022, Météo-France recorded three heat waves between June and August, with a total of 33 days of high heat, a record since 1947. However, working in high heat can increase the risk of accidents at work and have consequences on the health and safety of people. Also, the OPPBTP advises construction industry players to integrate the effects of climate change at work to anticipate the next episodes of heat waves and respond effectively to health risks, while allowing the continuity of activity in the best conditions.

Inspired in its methodology by the guide to health recommendations against Covid-19, the OPPBTP's Guide to Recommendations "High heat and scorching effects on construction sites" aims to help all those involved in the construction industry to better prepare for recurring periods of high heat and implement preventive actions. Thus, it describes the effects of high heat on the human body and recalls the signs to watch out for to prevent the risk of discomfort. In addition, it provides advice to help companies anticipate and prepare for these episodes by making arrangements adapted to work on construction sites, in offices, workshops or living bases. Finally, the guide gives many instructions as well as concrete solutions to preserve health and improve working conditions in the event of high temperatures.

In addition, on its preventionbtp.fr website, the Organization provides professionals with a toolbox bringing together all the useful resources to ensure their safety in these working conditions in hot weather - heat wave (videos, posters, questions/answers, solutions...).