Heatwaves create scheduling headaches for construction sites

The recurring issue of working conditions on construction sites during heatwaves is resurfacing, prompting companies to adapt their practices. Many firms are adjusting their schedules, often opting for earlier start times to mitigate the risks associated with working during the hottest parts of the day.

These adaptations are generally guided by recommendations from organizations like SUVA, based on construction work ordinances and labor laws. The primary goal is to ensure worker safety by avoiding strenuous activity during periods of extreme heat.

However, shifting work hours presents its own set of challenges. Thomas Rigolet, secretary of the Vaudois Group of Masonry and Civil Engineering Companies, highlighted the need for flexibility. He stated that municipalities, by authorizing these schedule changes, and subsequently residents, must demonstrate some leniency regarding potential noise nuisances that may arise from earlier workdays.

The question of how to manage construction work effectively during high temperatures remains a significant concern, requiring a balance between worker well-being, project timelines, and community impact.

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It is essential that the municipalities, by authorizing it, and the residents afterwards, show a little flexibility in the face of possible noise disturbances.