First off make sure your site is safe and secure before you close down for the break, use barriers and plates to protect the public from entering your work site and to cover exposed cables and pipes.
On your return to work have a safety toolbox and remind your staff of the 5 P’s of safe excavation, with crews stood down over the break it’s normal for people to have a brain fade and not be fully re-engaged in all of the safety protocols. Download and distribute a copy of our ‘Safe Digging Guide’ here and discuss it with your teams.
Make sure your utility plans are still in date after the holiday break, plans typically last 28 days, if you conducted your last beforeUdig enquiry more than 28 days ago then complete another and review the latest plans for any changes.
For new work site locations make sure that you get a utility locate and markout in preparation for your return. For the existing work site inspect to make sure the utility markouts remain, reorder a locate and mark out if these have faded or are no longer present.
You can find a beforeUdig certified locator on your enquiry confirmation or on our website here
Sun and heat can be particularly harsh here in New Zealand so make sure you implement these practices on your work site.
Reduce sun exposure
- Avoid long periods of work in direct sunshine between the hours of 10am to 4pm where possible.
- Take regular breaks in the shade and rotate workers on jobs with the most exposure to the sun.
- Wear UPF50+-rated lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts in lighter colours with adequate air flow or ventilation to help keep your temperature down. Be careful that loose clothing cannot get snagged in machinery
- Fit neck and full brim protectors to hard hats.
- Wear close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses and ensure the AS/NZ 1337 standard is on the glasses.
Wear sunscreen
- Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF50.
- Ensure the AS/NZ 2604 standard is on the label and the product has not reached its expiration date, replace if you are unsure.
- Apply at least 15 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply at least every two hours.
- Keep 1litre or larger in an easy to access location for all workers
Keep hydrated
- Drink plenty of water regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Keep a water bottle nearby and drink before you are thirsty.
- Drink 150 to 200ml of water every 15 to 20 minutes, rather than consume a 1-litre drink now and again.
- Most people need about 3 to 4 litres of water per day, but if you’re working in all-day heat, you will likely need more.
- Drinking water is preferable to drinking coffee, tea or other soft drinks.
- Avoid energy drinks, large amounts of caffeine and sugar can lead to dehydration
Warning signs
Make sure everyone knows what signs to look out for when they, or someone they are working with could be overheating.
- Feeling weak or dizzy.
- Darker coloured urine.
- Pounding or rapid pulse.
- Loss of balance, fainting.
- Headaches.
- Muscle cramps.
- Mood changes or confusion.
- Clammy or sweaty skin.
If heat stress or exhaustion is not dealt with quickly, it can progress to heat stroke. At its worst, this can be life-threatening.