Extreme Heat: Council Warns Against Midday Construction Work

The Sector Skills Council for Building in Nigeria has urged construction companies and property developers to suspend heavy outdoor construction activities between 12 noon and 3:30 pm due to rising temperatures across the country.

The council also called on construction firms to provide regular rest periods and drinking water for workers to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

The directive was contained in a national safety advisory issued on Tuesday and signed by the council’s President, Samson Ameh Opaluwah.

According to the council, rising temperatures, prolonged dry spells and dusty conditions are exposing construction workers to serious health and safety risks, including heatstroke, respiratory illnesses and workplace accidents.

It advised construction companies to adjust their working hours by scheduling labour-intensive activities during cooler periods, particularly between 6 am and 10:30 am or later in the afternoon and evening.

Some of the activities identified for suspension during peak heat periods include roofing, concrete pouring, manual excavation and scaffolding.

The council also recommended that contractors provide clean drinking water within 50 metres of every active work area. Workers should also take five to 10-minute hydration breaks every 20 minutes.

It further advised construction companies to equip first-aid facilities with oral rehydration salts, ice packs and wet towels to respond to cases of heat exhaustion.

The advisory warned that prolonged exposure to excessive heat could cause dehydration, heat cramps and potentially fatal heatstroke. It added that heat-related illnesses could affect workers’ concentration and reaction times, increasing the risk of falls and other workplace accidents.

The council also expressed concern about dust exposure during dry weather, particularly among workers involved in excavation, block-making and cement mixing. It noted that these conditions could increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, including occupational asthma and silicosis.

It also warned that stagnant water around poorly drained construction sites could create mosquito breeding grounds and increase the risk of malaria among workers.

To improve workers’ protection, the council recommended that contractors provide breathable high-visibility clothing, safety helmets with neck shades and ultraviolet-protective eyewear.

Workers should also receive N95 or higher-grade dust masks during dusty conditions, while exposed soil surfaces and unpaved access roads should be watered regularly to reduce dust.

Additionally, construction companies were advised to introduce a buddy system that allows workers to monitor one another for signs of heat stress, including dizziness, confusion, slurred speech and unusual sweating.

The council urged site safety officers to monitor weather forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and adjust construction schedules based on prevailing conditions.

It also recommended daily 10-minute safety briefings covering heat stress, disease prevention and emergency response procedures.

The council said it would conduct unannounced inspections in collaboration with relevant professional bodies, including the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, the Nigerian Institute of Building and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

It warned that construction companies that fail to provide adequate protection for their workers could face regulatory sanctions, safety citations or temporary suspension of construction activities.

The directive cited the National Building Code, Builders Registration Act, Labour Act and Employees’ Compensation Act 2010 as legal frameworks supporting the measures.

However, the council cautioned contractors against poorly planned work stoppages, noting that daily-paid artisans could lose income if construction activities were suspended without alternative work arrangements.