When July rolls in, the Louisiana sun starts showing its full strength. By mid-morning, the humidity sets in and the heat rises from the ground with intensity. It’s part of the job when you're in highway construction and site development, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept the risk. You plan for it, stay ahead of it and protect the people doing the work.
High heat affects everything: productivity, performance and safety. There's no such thing as "toughing it out" when you're laying asphalt on a 95º day with the heat index pushing well past 100º. For crews working in those conditions, heat safety is a daily reminder to take care of ourselves.
This time of year calls for more than water breaks. It requires a clear plan, continuous communication and a culture built around safety. Here’s how our team prepares for the toughest months of the year—and why we never compromise on protecting our people.
Louisiana heat doesn’t ease into the summer. It arrives fast and demands your full attention. Without proper precautions, it can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion or worse. That’s why our heat safety planning starts before the first day of high temperatures.
Every new hire at R.J. Daigle & Sons goes through rigorous heat illness safety training as part of their onboarding. We cover everything from recognizing symptoms and understanding the heat index to hydration protocols and emergency response. This training sets the tone early and reinforces the message that safety comes first—always.
Crews also receive seasonal refreshers and daily safety briefings to keep awareness high and response sharp. Safety isn’t a single conversation. It’s how we operate.
Our crews start early to avoid the hottest part of the day. We build that into the schedule, not as a workaround, but as a responsibility. Finishing strong means starting smart.
While full cooling stations aren’t always practical on mobile jobsites, we provide shade where possible using tents, truck-mounted cover and large umbrellas—especially for flaggers who often remain in one spot for extended periods. Crews are given access to cold drinks, shaded rest areas and planned breaks.
We also assign hydration monitors within each crew. These team members track water intake, prompt regular hydration and watch for early signs of heat stress. Their role adds an extra layer of accountability and care across every job.
Before summer begins, the safety team holds refresher courses focused on heat-related risks. These trainings are in-depth sessions built around real jobsite experiences. Crews learn how to spot the early signs of heat stress, understand the difference between dehydration and heat exhaustion, and respond when something doesn’t look right. We encourage everyone to speak up.
A single moment of hesitation can make the difference between a close call and a medical emergency. We also use the buddy system that keeps workers paired up for check-ins during peak hours. It’s a simple practice that adds another layer of awareness and accountability to every job we tackle.
Our supervisors monitor site conditions constantly and make changes as needed. If the heat index spikes, we slow down or shut down. If the forecast changes mid-day, we pivot.
To keep everyone informed, we send twice-daily heat index notices company-wide. These alerts help the field and the office stay aligned on risks and expectations. They support smarter decision-making, reduce guesswork and keep safety front and center.
Production will never come before the safety of our people. That’s not just a policy. That’s the way we do business.
We check equipment daily to make sure nothing adds to the heat burden. Cab AC units are kept in working order. Asphalt and materials are staged to limit crew exposure. When needed, we bring in water trucks to cool surfaces and control dust.
Tools are rotated so no one stays on high-heat tasks too long. These routines aren’t reactionary—they’re proven. After nearly 50 years in this work, we’ve built systems that support our people and the job at the same time.
Heat alone doesn’t define the challenge. Louisiana humidity adds pressure of its own. When the air’s thick, your sweat can’t evaporate as quickly to cool you off. Without that ability, the risk of overheating significantly increases.
Our teams are trained to respond to the heat index, not just the number on the thermometer. We increase hydration and break frequency on humid days and distribute electrolytes along with water. Everyone knows that when the humidity rises, the pace has to shift.
Communication keeps our teams safe. Supervisors, project managers and crew leads stay in constant contact. Crews are briefed every morning with weather, work updates and reminders to watch out for each other.
If someone needs to take a break, they do. If something feels off, it’s reported. We don’t power through when conditions are unsafe. We reset, regroup and protect the people doing the work.
Along with our twice-daily heat index alerts, we use mobile weather apps and internal check-ins to track conditions in real time. When things change, our crews know immediately.
Years of working through Gulf South summers have taught us valuable lessons. Our company relies on data, not solely on instinct. Records are kept on jobsite conditions, safety incidents and response times. That information helps shape future policies and training. It’s not about being reactive but about knowing what works and continuing to improve it.
July heat isn’t a surprise. It’s part of the season and part of the job. But we never treat it casually. Safety is built into the schedule, the equipment, the culture and the leadership. That’s what it takes to keep crews safe through the most demanding months of the year.
At our core, we are about people. Then comes the asphalt and earthwork. No matter how high the temperature climbs, that commitment doesn’t change. Want to join a team where your safety and well-being is prioritized? Reach out to us, today!
