In the midst of the construction site's 'hotbed' of activity.

The prolonged heatwave is putting pressure on construction activities at building sites in Hai Phong city.

Workers brave the scorching sun to construct the Sol Garden urban area in Thuy Nguyen ward.

Facing a "double temperature"

Around 10 a.m. on May 26th, the sun began to shine intensely on the Sol Garden urban development construction site in Thuy Nguyen ward. Amidst the concrete blocks, steel, and continuously operating machinery, the heat radiated intensely. Sweat-soaked in his protective suit, Nguyen Van Thanh, a worker at the project, said: “It was just past 9 a.m. and I already felt burning hot, sweating profusely. We had to remind each other to drink water regularly, take breaks on time, and not overexert ourselves.”

On the construction site of social housing in the Tan Truong Industrial Park residential, worker housing, and service area in Mao Dien commune, the sounds of steel cutting machines, concrete mixers, and heavy machinery echo continuously. Under the scorching sun, groups of workers divide up their tasks, some tying steel, others operating machinery, and still others busily preparing materials to maintain the construction schedule.

Nguyen Van Chinh, a steel reinforcement worker at the project, said: "The concrete and steel absorb heat, so it feels much hotter than outside. I'm used to hard work in this job, but summer is really stressful."

Under the rising temperatures of the hot days, workers strive to ensure the progress of the construction of social housing, worker housing, and service facilities in the Tan Truong industrial park.

In late May, Hai Phong city experienced a heatwave with outdoor temperatures sometimes exceeding 39 degrees Celsius, feeling like 41-42 degrees Celsius. For construction workers, the actual temperature on the construction site could be even higher. Unlike many other professions, construction workers are almost entirely exposed to the elements. They not only endure the heat from the sun but also face the heat radiating from concrete, steel, and other construction materials that absorb heat for many hours.

Mr. Tran Van Hung, a construction supervisor for residential buildings in Kien An ward, said that summer is always the most stressful time of year for construction companies. While storms and heavy rain can disrupt progress, the heat creates prolonged stress. Workers tire more quickly, and the risk of workplace accidents increases.

Many solutions to "cool things down"

Workers at the Hoang Huy New City urban development project wear protective gear and sun-protective clothing while working.

According to occupational safety experts, prolonged work in high-temperature environments can lead to rapid dehydration, thermoregulation disorders, and impaired concentration. This is especially important for construction workers, given the nature of their work, which often involves working with machinery and equipment, working at heights, or carrying heavy materials.

During hot weather, maintaining construction progress always goes hand in hand with ensuring the health of workers. If progress is accelerated by extending working hours in high temperatures, the risk of accidents is very high. But if construction proceeds slowly, the project will face pressure to meet the completion deadline. That is why many construction sites are currently forced to change their production organization plans.

Construction workers take advantage of their breaks to rehydrate.

At the Sol Garden urban area, to mitigate the impact of the heat, working hours have been adjusted more flexibly. Workers begin construction early, taking advantage of the time when temperatures are still pleasant. Lunch breaks are extended to allow workers time to recover their energy. Temporary sheltered rest areas are provided on-site. Drinking water and electrolyte drinks are readily available.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Khuyen, Director of Newland Investment Joint Stock Company, the investor of the social housing project in the Tan Phu Hung expanded residential and urban area, said: “We require the construction unit to regularly inspect the site. If workers show signs of fatigue, dizziness, or exhaustion, they must stop immediately. We will not sacrifice safety for the sake of progress.”

Along with changes in working hours, many construction companies in Hai Phong city are also strengthening measures to protect their workers. Protective clothing is being selected to better suit the summer weather conditions. Clothing with good breathability and sweat absorption is preferred. Some units are implementing measures such as dividing work time into smaller shifts and rotating work positions to reduce pressure on workers.

Specialized projects requiring high labor intensity or generating significant heat are prioritized for construction in the evening or early morning. Efforts to educate workers on preventing heatstroke and heat exhaustion are also intensified. Workers are instructed to recognize abnormal bodily signs such as headache, nausea, dizziness, cramps, and fatigue so that they can take timely action.

According to the city's meteorological and hydrological station, on May 26th, Hai Phong continued to experience hot and intensely hot weather, with some areas experiencing exceptionally intense heat due to the influence of a hot low-pressure area from the west. Maximum temperatures generally ranged from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius, with minimum humidity around 45-50%; the hottest hours were from 11 AM to 5 PM daily.

Some areas such as Hai An, Le Chan, Thuy Nguyen, Hai Duong, Cam Giang, Tu Ky, Ninh Giang, Thanh Mien, and Kim Thanh are forecast to have maximum temperatures of 37-39 degrees Celsius. Localities like Chi Linh, Kinh Mon, Thanh Ha, Kien An, An Duong, An Lao, Tien Lang, and Vinh Bao will generally experience temperatures of 35-38 degrees Celsius; while Bach Long Vi will have temperatures of 35-37 degrees Celsius.

HAI MINH

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/giua-chao-lua-cong-trinh-xay-dung-543859.html