The Sector Skills Council for Building in Nigeria has directed construction companies and property developers to suspend non-essential heavy outdoor activities between 12 noon and 3:30 pm to protect workers from extreme heat. In a national safety advisory issued on Tuesday and signed by its President, Samson Opaluwah, the council also instructed contractors to introduce compulsory rest and hydration breaks, provide sufficient drinking water and create shaded resting areas at construction sites across the country.
The council warned that rising temperatures, prolonged dry spells, dusty weather and flash flooding were exposing construction workers to serious health and safety risks, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, respiratory illnesses and workplace accidents. It identified physically demanding activities such as roofing, concrete pouring, manual excavation and scaffolding as tasks that should be avoided during peak heat periods. Instead, contractors were advised to reschedule such operations to early mornings between 6 am and 10:30 am or late afternoons and evenings, with proper lighting where necessary. Workers must also receive five-to-10-minute hydration breaks every 20 minutes, while clean drinking water should be available within 50 meters of active work areas.
The advisory further directed construction firms to equip first-aid facilities with oral rehydration salts, ice packs and wet towels to enable quick responses to heat-related emergencies. Contractors were also instructed to provide breathable high-visibility clothing, helmets fitted with neck protection and ultraviolet-protective eyewear. During dusty conditions, workers must be supplied with N95 or higher-grade masks, while exposed earth surfaces, demolition areas and unpaved access roads should be regularly watered to reduce airborne dust. The council warned that prolonged heat exposure could cause cramps, dehydration and potentially fatal heatstroke, while reduced concentration and slower reactions could increase the risk of falls and machinery-related injuries.
It also raised concerns about respiratory conditions such as occupational asthma and silicosis, particularly among workers involved in excavation, block-making and cement mixing. Poor drainage and stagnant water at construction sites were identified as additional health risks because they could create mosquito breeding grounds and increase malaria infections. The council urged contractors to introduce a buddy system through which workers monitor one another for warning signs of heat stress, including dizziness, confusion, slurred speech and unusual sweating. Site safety officers were also directed to monitor weather forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and adjust operations accordingly. Daily 10-minute safety briefings covering heat protection, disease prevention and emergency procedures were recommended.
To ensure compliance, the council said it would conduct unannounced inspections in collaboration with relevant professional bodies, including the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, the Nigerian Institute of Building and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. Contractors found failing to provide adequate protection could face regulatory sanctions, safety citations or temporary suspension of construction activities. While acknowledging that weather-related work adjustments could affect the earnings of daily-paid artisans, the council urged employers to reorganize working hours rather than leave workers without income. It said the directive was supported by provisions of the National Building Code, Builders Registration Act, Labor Act and Employees’ Compensation Act 2010.
