Feeling Hot Hot Hot!
As temperatures continue to rise across the UK, summer presents new and serious challenges for those working outdoors—especially scaffolders. The Met Office has predicted above-average temperatures for the summer of 2025, and with heat-related incidents already increasing, now is the time to prepare your team for safe working practices in hot weather.
At Safety & Access, we believe health and safety should be at the heart of every job—and that includes understanding seasonal risks. Whether you’re erecting scaffolds or inspecting structures on high-rise buildings, the summer heat can affect your safety, performance, and long-term health.
Heat Hazards on the Scaffold: Don’t Underestimate the Risks
Working at height is dangerous at the best of times—but high temperatures, UV exposure, and dehydration can increase the risks significantly.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), over 1,000 heat-related incidents were reported across the UK in construction and related sectors in 2023. Many go unreported, with symptoms mistaken for simple fatigue or dehydration.
Key heat-related risks for scaffolders:
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Heatstroke and sunstroke: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to confusion, nausea, and collapse.
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Dehydration: Leads to reduced concentration and increases the risk of falls or manual handling injuries.
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Reduced grip: Sweaty or clammy hands can lead to tools or scaffolding components slipping—putting others at risk below.
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UV radiation: Long-term exposure increases the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing, especially without adequate sun protection.
Top Tips for Staying Safe in the Summer Heat
1. Cover Up – Protect Yourself from the Sun
You may spend 8+ hours a day outdoors, so sun safety is non-negotiable:
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Always wear head protection. If not wearing a helmet, choose a breathable cap with a brim or neck cover.
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Choose PPE that’s ventilated or lighter in colour to help reflect heat.
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Use sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) and reapply it every 2 hours, especially around the neck, face and arms.
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Sunglasses with UV protection can also be worn during breaks to reduce glare and protect your eyes.
2. Hydrate Regularly – Don’t Wait Until You’re Thirsty
The HSE recommends at least 2 to 2.5 litres of water per day for those working outdoors in hot weather.
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Choose mineral water to help replenish essential salts lost through sweat.
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Avoid caffeine-heavy energy drinks which can increase dehydration.
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Make hydration a team priority: have cool water stations readily accessible.
3. Take Breaks in Shaded Areas
Scaffolders often push themselves physically—but the heat adds invisible strain. Schedule more frequent breaks, ideally:
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Every hour during extreme heat.
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In shaded, well-ventilated rest areas.
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Encourage workers to monitor each other for signs of heat stress: headaches, dizziness, confusion, muscle cramps or excessive fatigue.
4. Wear Breathable, Anti-Slip Gloves
Hot hands are a hidden hazard. While it’s tempting to remove gloves in the heat, sweaty palms reduce grip, making it easier for tools or tubes to slip.
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Switch to lightweight, breathable gloves with anti-slip grip designed for summer conditions.
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Maintain regular glove checks and provide seasonally appropriate PPE.
Your Health = Productivity
While safety is the number one concern, presenteeism (being physically at work but unproductive due to illness or fatigue) can also cost the business. According to a 2023 CIPD report:
“Heat-related presenteeism cost UK employers £154 million in productivity losses last year alone.”
Working safely in summer isn’t just good practice—it’s smart business.
Support from Safety & Access
At Safety & Access, we don’t just deliver world-class CISRS scaffolding training, we champion on-site safety culture too.
Our training and safety services support:
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On-site inspections to ensure compliant working at height conditions
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CISRS Harness Inspection, TG20/SG4 awareness and more
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CPD Refresher training to keep your team up to date
Summer scaffolding work can be tough—but it can also be safe, structured, and efficient with the right guidance and planning.
Need Support or Training? We’re Here to Help
Whether you need refresher training, on-site toolbox talks, or a retained safety partner, Safety & Access is ready to help your workforce beat the heat—safely.
Email: safe@safetyaccess.co.uk
Call: 0115 979 4523
Visit: www.safetyaccess.co.uk
Let’s build safer scaffolds—whatever the weather.
