Tips for Working in the Heat in Ontario

Summers in Ontario are no joke. From downtown Toronto’s concrete jungle to SW Ontario’s humid job sites, crews across the province face soaring temperatures and relentless sunshine. 

Working in this kind of heat isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s dangerous! For construction workers, utility crews and all professionals, heat can be a serious hazard to health, productivity and timelines.

At Bercon Rentals, we understand the unique challenges that come with working under the hot Ontario sun. That’s why we’re not only committed to offering top-quality rental equipment, but also sharing tips and insights to help you and your crew stay safe, efficient and cool on the job.

Whether you’re moving drywall in Windsor or framing a commercial building in Hamilton, these practical tips can help you beat the heat and stay ahead of schedule.

Understand the Risks of Heat Stress in Ontario

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand what’s at stake. Heat-related illnesses range in severity from mild to life-threatening:

• Heat Rash: Skin irritation caused by excessive sweating.
  
• Heat Cramps: Muscle spasms from loss of salt through sweating.
  
• Heat Exhaustion: Weakness, nausea, dizziness, headache and heavy sweating.
  
• Heat Stroke: A medical emergency with symptoms like confusion, slurred speech, unconsciousness and no sweating.
  

Ontario job sites are subject to Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) standards, which require employers to take every reasonable precaution to protect workers, including from environmental hazards like heat.

Rent to Work When It’s Cool

One of the most effective strategies to combat heat stress is simply by working during cooler parts of the day.

That’s not always possible on tight deadlines or when daylight hours are long. But if you have the flexibility, try shifting physically demanding tasks to early mornings or late afternoons.

For larger projects, renting extra equipment from Bercon allows you to ramp up your workforce during those cooler windows.

For example:

• Rent additional telehandlers to increase supply-moving capacity.
  
• Add light towers and generators to extend productivity into cooler evening hours.
  
• Use aerial work platforms to get materials up to the level they need faster and safer than manually.

By working more efficiently during safer times of day, you reduce risk and keep your crew fresher longer.

Keep Hydration a Priority

Dehydration is one of the top contributors to heat-related illnesses. In Ontario’s humid summers, this happens daily and must be addressed.

Tips to stay hydrated:

• Provide cool, clean drinking water at every work area.
  
• Encourage frequent hydration breaks—every 15 to 20 minutes in extreme heat.
  
• Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks that can worsen dehydration.

Use an on-site container to store hydration supplies in a cool, shaded location.

Provide Shade and Shelter

Direct sun exposure can increase the risk of sunburn, heat stroke and exhaustion. And let’s be real, there aren’t always trees or buildings nearby to duck under for shade.

Temporary structures are a smart way to create:

• Break areas
  
• Hydration stations
  
• Cooling zones with misting fans or air conditioning

They also offer storm protection, which is crucial during unpredictable Ontario summer weather.

Wear the Right Gear

Standard PPE is required for most jobs and most equipment you rent, but in hot weather, it can feel like an oven. Fortunately, today’s high-performance workwear can help regulate body temperature better than ever.

Hot-weather gear tips:

• Choose lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics.
  
• Opt for light-coloured clothing to reflect sunlight.
  
• Wear ventilated hard hats and cooling neck wraps.
  
• Use UV-protection sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats when appropriate.
  

While Bercon doesn’t rent clothing, our team can help you choose the right equipment with enclosed, air-conditioned operator cabins, such as our telescopic forklifts.

Set Up Jobsite Cooling Zones

Whether you’re on a remote rural site or in the heart of the city, cooling zones are essential for reducing core body temperatures and providing relief.

A cooling zone can include:

• Shade tents or trailers
  
• Misting fans or air movers
  
• Coolers with ice water
  
• Emergency first aid supplies
  

Rental equipment supports cooling zones with portable generators to power fans or cooling units.

Use Technology to Monitor and Manage Heat Risks

Modern technology has made it easier than ever to track temperature trends, identify risks, and streamline jobsite operations to minimize heat-related delays.

Tools that can help:

• Weather apps and alerts for incoming heat waves or storms.
  
• Wearable sensors that monitor body temperature and heart rate.
  
• GPS tracking of equipment to optimize usage during cooler hours.
  
• Jobsite cameras to remotely monitor crew behavior and take corrective action.
  

By renting equipment with smart tech, like Bercon’s eQuip+ equipment rental portal, you gain better control over operations and safety, even in the heat of July.

Train Your Team on Heat Illness Prevention

Even the best gear and schedules can’t replace solid training. Your crew needs to know the signs of heat stress and what to do if someone shows symptoms.

Every jobsite should have:

• A clear heat stress policy
  
• Training on symptoms and responses
  
• A designated first aid leader
  
• An emergency plan for heat stroke or exhaustion
  

Bercon recommends incorporating heat safety into your tailgate talks or morning huddles, especially during heatwaves. We can also give extra training in this area as your request.

Rent the Right Equipment for the Job

This is perhaps the most important tip: don’t overwork your crew when the right tool can do the heavy lifting.

In the heat, efficiency matters more than ever. If you’re relying on manual labour for tasks that could be automated or simplified with equipment, you’re putting your team at unnecessary risk.

Examples of heat-reducing rentals from Bercon:

• Material lifts to avoid heavy lifting in high temps.
  
• Cranes for tight areas with full operator comfort.
  
• Telehandlers for placing materials quickly without hand-carrying.
  
• Boom lifts and scissor lifts for safe elevated work with minimal effort.
  

The more you reduce physical strain, the lower the chance of heat exhaustion, and the better your productivity.

Know When to Shut It Down

Sometimes the smartest (and safest) thing you can do is call it a day early.

Employers in Ontario must monitor Humidex values and Environment Canada alerts. When those numbers climb above safe thresholds, stop work and reassign tasks to shaded or indoor areas.

Use this time to optimize your rental lineup or upgrade to more efficient equipment with Bercon’s help.

Bercon Helps You Beat the Heat at Ontario’s Worksites

Working in the Ontario heat is tough, but it doesn’t have to derail your operations or endanger your crew. With the proper safety practice, and strategic rental support from Bercon, you can keep things moving, even during very hot summer days.

Need help prepping for a summer project or heatwave? Request a free quote from Bercon Rentals today.