Thousands of U.S. workers become sick from heat exposure on the job every year, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).
Construction crews working outdoors in the summer face an elevated risk of heat-related illness, especially since too many aren’t trained to recognize the difference between discomfort and a potentially fatal illness. They may also lack the first aid training needed to treat heat exposure and may not know that certain medical conditions can make individuals more vulnerable to illness.
All workers should recognize the symptoms of heat-related illness and understand how to administer first aid and when to call 911. Educate your team members by incorporating heat-related illness symptoms and prevention strategies into safety moment ideas and topics.
Factors that Increase an Individual’s Risk of Heat-Related Illness
Weather, heat sources, the level of physical activity, and heavy clothing and protective gear can all contribute to heat stress and reduce the body’s ability to cool itself.
Workers who are not acclimated to physical activity in high temperatures are at greater risk for heat-related illness. It takes time for a human body to build up heat tolerance. According to OSHA, workers should drink plenty of water and sports drinks, take frequent breaks in a cooler spot, and work shorter periods until they build tolerance over several days.
Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, drug and alcohol use, obesity, and pregnancy can also make someone more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Symptoms
Make sure your team members know the facts about heat-related illness because its symptoms can be easy to dismiss or misinterpret. Unfortunately, deadly misunderstandings persist despite thousands of cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke every year.
The symptoms of heat exhaustion include cool, moist skin, heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea, headache and a weak and rapid pulse.
Symptoms of heat stroke, the most dangerous heat-related illness, can include:
- Flushed skin
- Hot and dry or sweaty skin
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Rapid breathing
- A racing heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. It’s a potentially fatal condition and requires immediate medical attention.
First Aid
If a crew member shows signs of heat exhaustion, move them to a cooler area right away, loosen clothing, and help them sip water. Apply cool, wet cloths to lower their body temperature and keep them resting until they feel better. If their symptoms worsen, don’t improve, or if they show signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and rapid cooling and professional care are critical.
Common, False (and Dangerous) Myths about Heat Stroke
These include the myth that heat stroke is not a real emergency and can be treated with ice water and rest. Other fictions include the idea that if a person is sweating, they are not suffering from heat stroke. While some heat-stroke victims stop sweating, others may sweat profusely. Ice packs placed on the victim’s groin, neck, back and armpits can be a potentially lifesaving intervention, but are not a substitute for immediate medical attention. Call 911 first.
Preventing Heat-Related Illness: What Construction Managers Can Do
Make sure your crew knows how to prevent, recognize and respond to signs of heat-related illness by covering the subject in OSHA toolbox talks and weekly safety meetings.
Additional OSHA recommendations for preventing heat-related illnesses include company-wide practices to identify and reduce exposure to heat hazards, and implementing programs for acclimatization, medical monitoring, heat-safety training, and heat alerts.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute professional occupational health, safety, or medical advice. Heat-related illness prevention and first aid practices should be tailored to specific worksite conditions and regulatory requirements. Always follow current OSHA guidelines and consult qualified safety professionals. The author and publisher disclaim all liability for any injuries, illnesses, or other consequences arising from reliance on this content. In a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. This article does not guarantee specific safety outcomes.
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