Extreme heat in the United States has forced companies in the construction industry to reevaluate their work processes. Construction projects are experiencing delays as workers are taking more breaks to avoid overheating. According to Art Hogan, the chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth, what usually takes two days to complete can now take three or four days. Builders are considering shifting their workdays to earlier hours to minimize the impact of the heat. While slowing projects may affect companies that sell supplies, retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s are not facing significant losses as builders typically buy materials in advance, and projects are not being canceled.
The oil refineries, which are designed to withstand high temperatures, are also feeling the effects of extreme heat. The efficiency of oil refineries decreases in hot weather, costing the industry between 1.5% and 2% of refining throughput per year. Refiners in hot climates are limiting the time workers spend outdoors, setting up hydration stations, and adjusting work shifts to cooler hours. Workers in extreme heat conditions, around 110 degrees Fahrenheit, can only work for about 30 minutes out of the hour and require regular breaks to ensure their safety.
The retail sector is witnessing changes in consumer behavior due to increasing heat. Retailers are experiencing higher demand for clothing suitable for hot weather, fans, and air conditioners. Amazon has adjusted its delivery routes on hot days to give drivers more time to cool off. Additionally, the company provides beverage coolers and water-filled sleeves to drivers to maintain lower temperatures. The Teamsters union is advocating for better protection for workers in extreme heat situations.
Extreme heat poses challenges for the transportation industry as well. Airplane wings generate less lift in high temperatures, causing flight delays. Railroads may limit train speeds to prevent tracks from warping and engines from getting damaged. Flights stuck on the tarmac have reported temperatures in the triple digits, making travel uncomfortable for passengers.
Companies in manufacturing and warehousing with large buildings are finding ways to cool work environments without incurring high costs. Strategies include using fans, misting systems, and providing ample water for employees. Spirit AeroSystems, a manufacturer of plane parts, maintains its factory temperatures in the low 80s Fahrenheit using a water-cooled system. The production has not been impacted by the extreme heat.
Modern agricultural practices in the U.S. Midwest, especially for corn and soy crops, are resilient to heat with limited human involvement. Tractor cabs are air-conditioned, reducing the risk to workers. However, hand-tended crops like grapes in California’s central valley face challenges with fluctuating temperatures. Farmers are providing extra water and shade for the crops and workers, and they are also reducing work hours to cope with the heat.
Tech companies are facing additional challenges in cooling and safeguarding big data centers during heatwaves. The rise in demand for artificial intelligence has increased the usage of power-hungry microchips, putting a strain on data centers. Backup generators are being utilized to ensure data centers remain operational for extended periods during extreme heat conditions.
As extreme heat becomes more frequent, industries across the United States are adapting their work practices to cope with the challenges posed by high temperatures. By implementing strategies to minimize the impact of heat on workers and operations, companies are ensuring business continuity and the safety of their employees.