Stay Cool: Managing Construction Worker Heat Stress on the Summer Jobsite

Summertime typically marks the beginning of peak construction season. With longer daylight hours, construction sites are filled with the sounds of machinery and the visible progress of indoor and outdoor building projects. However, the summer also ushers in higher temperatures, which can turn a worksite into a sweltering environment. While contending with hot temperatures isn’t new for the industry, the ongoing rise in temperatures and associated health and safety challenges require contractors to reassess and improve their intervention strategies.

The International Labor Organization produced a 2024 global report revealing that excessive heat exposure is responsible for nearly 23 million occupational injuries and roughly 19,000 work-related deaths annually. Whether working under the sun or within an enclosed space, it’s evident that extreme heat can challenge a worker’s physical endurance and pose serious health and safety risks.

COMMON HEAT-RELATED CONDITIONS

Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to serious and detrimental physical effects on the human body. Some common heat-related conditions include the following:

1. Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating in hot, humid conditions. Treatment involves keeping the area dry and wearing breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
2. Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms resulting from fluid or salt depletion after intense heat activity. Replenish with salty foods and water or sports drinks.
3. Heat syncope is a fainting episode resulting from heat acclimation failure and dehydration. Lie flat with feet elevated; rehydration and rest are recommended. Seek medical help if necessary.
4. Heat exhaustion is a precursor to heat stroke. It typically occurs due to water and salt loss but may occur with exertion or inactivity. Move to a cool area, provide ice packs and rehydrate immediately. Call 911 if confusion occurs.
5. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s core temperature reaches 104°F or higher. When this happens, a person may experience confusion or even seizures. Call 911 immediately and cool the person promptly with ice or cold water and fanning. Untreated heat stroke can cause permanent organ damage or death.

Extreme heat can affect anyone exposed for long periods, but individuals with pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma) are at greater risk.

CASE STUDIES ON HEAT STRESS

Several recent case studies have examined heat exhaustion and dehydration in indoor and outdoor work environments, highlighting the associated risks. The following summarizes some key findings:

• Risk factors: High temperatures, humidity, direct sunlight and strenuous labor significantly increase the risk of heat-related hazards.
• Symptoms and identification: It is crucial to recognize symptoms (e.g., heavy sweating, weakness, headache, nausea, confusion, etc.) for timely intervention.
• Preventive measures: Effective preventive strategies include establishing a worksite-specific heat-stress management plan with features like heat-stress training.
• Hydration guidelines: Stress the importance of hydration and cooling by encouraging workers to drink water regularly, even when not thirsty.
• Engineering controls: Aim to minimize heat exposure by implementing administrative strategies like adjusting work schedules and practices.
• Impact of acclimatization: Gradual exposure to heat over five to 14 days helps new or returning workers adapt, reducing heat exhaustion risks. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that 75% of work-related deaths from heat occur during the first two weeks of work.
• Worker education: Workers should undergo training on heat-related dangers, first aid and emergency response procedures.
• Policy implications: Workplace policies must enforce safety regulations and support the heat-stress management plan.

These findings underline the importance of monitoring environmental conditions, emphasizing worker hydration and instituting safety protocols in labor settings to combat heat exhaustion and dehydration effectively.

BENEFITS OF HEAT STRESS INTERVENTION

Organizations have an ethical obligation to safeguard their workforce from the dangers of extreme heat, but the benefits can extend far beyond compliance. Adopting effective protective measures can yield significant economic advantages.

Research demonstrates that by instituting heat protection standards, businesses can enhance worker safety and wellbeing, which fosters a healthier work environment. Improving worker conditions can increase productivity, as healthier workers are more efficient and engaged. Ultimately, these enhanced practices can drive substantial economic growth for the organization, creating a win-win scenario for the workforce and the business.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS

The subsequent recommendations underscore the significance of heat protection and are consistent with established OSHA guidelines:

Plan Ahead

• Check the weather: Monitor forecasts to anticipate heat waves and adjust schedules accordingly. Use the heat index to implement jobsite controls.
• Start early, end early: Reserve strenuous tasks for early mornings and try to finish work earlier in the day.
• Allow heat breaks: Employ job rotations to reduce heat exposure.

Prioritize Hydration

• Water stations: Set up ample water stations close to where work is performed to encourage regular hydration.
• Safety messaging: Post signage to remind workers about staying hydrated and recognizing heat-related illness signs.

Provide Shade and Break Areas

• Temporary structures: Set up canopies or tarps for shade during breaks.
• Cooling areas: Designate shaded areas for rest, away from direct sunlight or extreme indoor heat.

Dress for the Heat

• Lightweight clothing: Encourage loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Protective gear: Use cooling technology or moisture-wicking fabrics in safety gear.

Implement Rest Breaks

• Regular intervals: Schedule breaks every hour in extreme heat.
• Buddy system: Pair workers to monitor each other for heat stress signs.

Use Cooling Devices

• Portable misting fans: Employ misting systems to cool work areas. Standard fans are not recommended in temperatures above 95° F because they can increase the heat load.
• Cooling vests: Supply cooling vests for individuals working in extreme indoor or outdoor heat.

Modify Workloads

• Realistic expectations: Adjust timelines and workloads for a slower pace in extreme heat.
• Task segmentation: Move heavy tasks to shade or indoors when possible. Use golf carts or mobile carts to decrease workload and reduce strain.

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE

Medical surveillance services are crucial in preventing heat-related illnesses in high-risk industries like construction. By partnering with a specialized occupational health provider, construction companies can significantly enhance their safety protocols and develop comprehensive strategies to tackle the challenges of working in extreme heat. These health care professionals conduct health assessments to evaluate employees’ fitness level for working in hot environments, ensuring each worker is prepared and equipped to handle the conditions they will face. Occupational health professionals can collaborate with contractors to tailor a heat illness prevention plan that takes into consideration factors such as workload, heat exposure levels and individual health conditions. Implementing such proactive measures safeguards the wellbeing of workers and fosters an overall workplace culture of safety and health.

Rising temperatures increase the risk of heat-related occupational injuries and illnesses, highlighting the need for practical workplace heat standards. The recommendations outlined can be essential components of a workplace heat prevention program. Additionally, worker safety guidelines set by organizations like OSHA and ongoing efforts to establish federally mandated workplace standards will further enhance protections against heat exposure. By raising awareness, educating workers and enforcing strong safety policies, contractors can reduce the risks associated with working in high temperatures, safeguard the health of the construction workforce and maintain project productivity.

SEE ALSO: HEAT STRESS INDICATORS TO WATCH OUT FOR