Summer is prime construction season. Longer days and favorable weather mean projects are moving, crews are busy, and schedules are full. But as temperatures climb, so do the risks.
Here on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, summer often brings high heat, humidity, and fast-moving afternoon thunderstorms, Heat-related illnesses, dehydration, fatigue, and severe weather can all contribute to accidents that slow projects, increase costs, and put employees at risk.
At Deeley Insurance Group, we believe the best claims are the ones that never happen. A little planning can go a long way toward protecting your crew and keeping projects on schedule. Here are seven summer safety reminders every contractor should keep top-of-mind.
1. Take Heat Seriously
Roofers, concrete crews, landscapers, masons, utility contractors, and road crews often spend eight to ten hours working in direct sunlight.
Encourage employees to:
- Drink water frequently throughout the day.
- Take scheduled cooling breaks.
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothing.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion before they become medical emergencies.
If someone becomes dizzy, nauseated, confused, or stops sweating despite the heat, don’t wait. Move them to a cool location immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
Protecting your employees from heat illness is one of the simplest ways to reduce lost-time injuries during the summer months.
2. Start Earlier When You Can
One of the easiest ways to beat the heat is simply to work around it.
Many contractors begin shifts earlier during the summer so physically demanding tasks can be completed before the hottest part of the day.
Not every project allows for schedule changes, but whenever possible, save the most strenuous work for the cooler morning hours and use the afternoon for lighter tasks or indoor work.
Your crew will often be safer—and more productive.
3. Stay Hydrated—Even Before You’re Thirsty
Waiting until you’re thirsty usually means you’re already becoming dehydrated.
Provide cool drinking water at every jobsite and encourage workers to hydrate consistently throughout the day.
Sports drinks can help replace electrolytes during long, physically demanding days, but water should remain the primary source of hydration.
Supervisors should also pay extra attention to new employees, who may not yet be acclimated to working in extreme heat.
4. Watch Out for Summer Storms
Summer afternoons often bring fast-moving thunderstorms, especially here on the Delmarva Peninsula.
Lightning, heavy rain, and strong wind can quickly turn a safe jobsite into a dangerous one.
Before storms arrive:
- Secure loose materials.
- Lower cranes and aerial lifts when appropriate.
- Stop work on roofs and scaffolding.
- Move crews to safe shelter.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning to exposed work areas.
A delayed project is frustrating. An injured employee is far worse.
5. Inspect Equipment Every Day
Summer heat is tough on equipment.
Hydraulic systems, tires, batteries, cooling systems, and engines all work harder in extreme temperatures.
A quick daily inspection can help identify problems before they become expensive breakdowns—or worse, jobsite accidents.
Just a few minutes of preventive maintenance each morning can keep equipment operating safely throughout the season.
6. Don’t Let Fatigue Lead to Mistakes
Heat doesn’t just affect your body—it affects your judgment.
As temperatures rise, concentration decreases and reaction times slow.
That’s when shortcuts become tempting.
Remind crews to:
- Wear required PPE every time.
- Use fall protection consistently.
- Maintain proper lifting techniques.
- Communicate clearly around heavy equipment.
- Never rush to “make up time.”
One moment of inattention can undo weeks of safe work.
7. Review Your Insurance Before Peak Season
Summer is often when contractors add employees, purchase equipment, take on larger projects, or expand into new types of work.
That’s also the perfect time to review your insurance program.
Make sure your coverage reflects today’s business—not last year’s.
A mid-season review is a great opportunity to discuss:
- Workers’ Compensation
- Commercial General Liability
- Commercial Auto
- Inland Marine coverage for tools and equipment
- Builders Risk
- Umbrella Liability
- Cyber Liability for businesses using cloud-based estimating, project management, and accounting software
Small changes in your operation can have a big impact on your insurance needs. We’re here to work through everything with you.
Build Smart. Build Safe.
Construction is demanding work, and every successful project starts with a crew that goes home safely at the end of the day.
By staying ahead of summer hazards, investing in employee safety, and keeping your insurance program up to date, you’ll be better prepared for whatever the season brings.
Let’s talk.
If your business has grown, added equipment, hired new employees, or taken on larger contracts this year, we’d love to help review your coverage. At Deeley Insurance Group, we’re here to help protect the business you’ve worked so hard to build—so you can focus on building what’s next.
Call or text us today at 410-213-5600.
Have a safe and productive summer!
