When Things Get Hot: How KA Handles the Heat

by Brenden Nickels, senior office assistant 

 Minnesota might be famous for its bone-chilling winters, but when summer rolls around, the Land of 10,000 Lakes turns up the heat. With temperatures sometimes pushing into the 90s, Minnesotans are reminded that the state isn’t just about ice and snow. For Kraus-Anderson (KA), a company with roots deep in Minnesota’s seasonal extremes, these scorching days require careful planning and a steadfast commitment to safety. 

 “As a construction company, our project teams are constantly reviewing weather conditions and how it may affect our jobsites and schedules for completions.” said Kraus-Anderson Director of Safety Jay VanderLeest. “Heat, cold, rain, or snow can affect a job significantly. Our project teams have to deal with each peril of weather all year long.” 

 Turning up the heat in Arizona 

Our construction projects span across the Midwest, where the weather is unpredictable at best. But now, with the recent acquisition of Sonoran Crest Construction in Phoenix, Arizona, we face a whole new kind of challenge: extreme heat that redefines the meaning of “hot.” Phoenix is not just warm; it’s blistering. Summer highs can soar well above 110 degrees, transforming job sites into sweltering saunas where the risk of heat-related illnesses spikes dangerously. 

Preventative Measures are the 1st Step When Battling the Heat  

To meet these challenges head-on, KA has developed a comprehensive Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP). This plan isn’t just a response to the Phoenix city ordinance requiring contractors and subcontractors to have such protocols; it’s a testament to KA’s commitment to worker safety, regardless of geography. The HIPP is designed to protect employees from the relentless desert sun and ensure that everyone goes home healthy at the end of the day. 

So, what does KA’s Heat Illness Prevention Plan entail? When temperatures hit 80 degrees or higher—a regular occurrence in Phoenix—the HIPP kicks into action. The plan mandates that all employees take on four crucial responsibilities: 

1. Remind colleagues about the heat: Heat-related illnesses can sneak up on workers, so constant reminders are crucial. 
2. Communicate the location of water and shade: Knowing where to find relief is vital when the sun is beating down. 
3. Encourage frequent hydration: Drinking water isn’t just recommended; it’s a necessity. Workers are reminded to stay hydrated throughout the day. 
4. Promote taking breaks: Heat exhaustion doesn’t wait for a scheduled break. Workers are encouraged to rest whenever they feel the need. 

On the jobsite, it’s up to a designated employee to ensure that there’s plenty of water available and that shaded areas are set up for breaks. The office trailer also doubles as a cooling center where workers can escape the heat and recover before heading back out.  

“Like all of KA’s written safety programs, they are there for our project teams to utilize on our jobsites and with our workers to deliver a safe jobsite and keep KA and our trade partners safe,” adds VanderLeest. 

The acquisition of Sonoran Crest has not only expanded KA’s geographical footprint but also its expertise in dealing with extreme weather conditions. The Heat Illness Prevention Plan is just one example of how KA continues to prioritize the well-being of its employees, adapting to new challenges with the same dedication and thoroughness that has defined the company for years. 

Whether it’s in the frozen north or the scorching desert, KA’s commitment to safety remains unwavering, ensuring that every project is completed without compromising the health and safety of those who make it possible.