Heat illness is predictable and preventable, and it still sends construction workers to the hospital every summer. A one-page plan with temperature triggers covers most of what matters.
In this article
Heat is a jobsite hazard
Heat illness sends construction workers to the hospital every summer, and heat-related deaths in construction are among the highest of any industry. It also causes the quieter damage: slower work, poor decisions and more accidents late in the shift.
The rules are changing
Federal OSHA has proposed a heat standard, and states including California, Washington, Oregon and others already have their own requirements for water, shade, rest and training. Even without a specific rule, the general duty clause applies. Know what applies in your state.
Keep reading — free
The rest of this article is worth the 20 seconds
Tell us where to send it and the full piece unlocks right here, along with everything else on this blog.
Rather just talk? Message us on WhatsApp.
Water, rest, shade
The basic program is simple: cool water close to the work, roughly a cup every 15 to 20 minutes, shaded rest areas and scheduled breaks that increase as temperature rises. Put the water where people work, not only at the trailer.
Acclimatization
Most heat deaths happen in the first days on the job. New workers and those returning from time off need a gradual build-up over about a week, starting with a reduced share of full exposure. This is the part most programs skip.
Schedule around the heat
Move heavy exterior work, concrete placement and roofing to early morning. Plan interior work for afternoons. On extreme days, a shorter shift costs less than an incident.
Signs everyone should know
- Dizziness, headache, nausea and unusual fatigue: stop and cool down.
- Confusion, slurred speech, hot and dry skin, collapse: call 911 and cool the worker immediately.
Use a buddy system
People rarely notice their own symptoms. Pair workers and make it normal to tell a partner to take a break.
Clothing and equipment
Light-colored, breathable long sleeves protect better than bare skin. Cooling towels, hard hat shades and cooling vests help in extreme conditions. Remember that PPE such as coveralls and respirators adds heat load, so workers wearing them need more frequent breaks.
Subcontractors too
As GC you control the site. Include heat planning in the pre-task meetings and make water and shade available to every trade, not only your own crew.
Where to start
Write a one-page heat plan with triggers by temperature and review it at the next toolbox talk.
A safe site is a productive site.
We help builders and specialty contractors win better work and run it well.
Frequently asked questions
What are the basics of a construction heat illness plan?
Cool water close to the work, shaded rest areas, breaks that increase with temperature, a gradual acclimatization schedule for new and returning workers, training on warning signs and an emergency response. Several states have their own heat rules, so check local requirements.