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🌡️ Heat Illness Prevention Program

Heat illness kills construction workers every year. A comprehensive prevention program protects your workers and keeps you OSHA compliant.

The Problem​

Heat illness statistics:

  • Construction workers at high risk
  • Heat stroke can be fatal
  • Most deaths preventable
  • OSHA requires prevention programs

Risk factors:

  • High temperatures
  • High humidity
  • Direct sun exposure
  • Heavy work
  • Protective clothing
  • Lack of acclimatization

OSHA Requirements​

Federal OSHA​

General Duty Clause requires employers to protect workers from recognized hazards, including heat.

State OSHA programs (CA, WA, MN, OR) have specific heat illness prevention standards.

Program Elements​

1. Written Program​

Your program must include:

  • Policy statement - Management commitment
  • Responsibilities - Who does what
  • Hazard identification - Heat sources
  • Prevention measures - Controls
  • Training - Employee training
  • Emergency procedures - Response procedures
  • Monitoring - Weather monitoring

2. Hazard Identification​

Identify heat hazards:

  • Weather conditions - Temperature, humidity
  • Work location - Direct sun, enclosed spaces
  • Work intensity - Heavy, moderate, light
  • Protective equipment - Limits cooling
  • Individual factors - Age, health, medications

Heat index:

  • Combines temperature and humidity
  • Indicates heat stress level
  • Use to determine work/rest schedule

3. Prevention Measures​

Water, Rest, Shade​

Water:

  • Cool water - 50-60°F
  • Accessible - Close to work area
  • Sufficient - 1 quart per hour per worker
  • Encourage drinking - Before feeling thirsty

Rest:

  • Rest breaks - In shade or cool area
  • Frequency - Based on heat index
  • Duration - 15 minutes minimum
  • More when needed - If workers show symptoms

Shade:

  • Shade available - At all times
  • Close to work - Easy access
  • Adequate size - Fits all workers
  • Cool if possible - Air-conditioned if available

4. Acclimatization​

Gradual exposure:

  • New workers - 50% first day, increase gradually
  • Returning workers - After 3+ days off
  • Hot weather - First hot days of season
  • 7-14 days - Full acclimatization

Schedule:

  • Day 1-2: 50% of normal workload
  • Day 3-4: 60-70% of normal workload
  • Day 5-6: 80-90% of normal workload
  • Day 7+: 100% of normal workload

5. Work/Rest Schedule​

Based on heat index:

Heat IndexWork/Rest Schedule
under 91°FNormal work, monitor
91-103°F45 min work / 15 min rest
103-115°F30 min work / 30 min rest
over 115°FConsider stopping work

Adjust for:

  • Work intensity
  • Protective equipment
  • Individual factors

6. Engineering Controls​

Reduce heat exposure:

  • Ventilation - Increase air movement
  • Shade structures - Temporary shade
  • Cooling stations - Air-conditioned areas
  • Reflective surfaces - Reduce radiant heat
  • Schedule work - Cooler times of day

7. Administrative Controls​

Work practices:

  • Schedule - Work during cooler hours
  • Rotate workers - Share heavy work
  • Reduce intensity - Lighter work in heat
  • Buddy system - Watch each other
  • Monitor workers - Watch for symptoms

8. Personal Protective Equipment​

Cooling PPE:

  • Cooling vests - For hot environments
  • Wet towels - Around neck
  • Lightweight clothing - Light colors
  • Breathable fabrics - Allow sweat evaporation

Avoid:

  • Heavy, dark clothing
  • Non-breathable materials
  • Excessive layers

9. Training​

Required training covers:

  • Heat illness types - Heat rash, cramps, exhaustion, stroke
  • Symptoms - How to recognize
  • Prevention - Water, rest, shade
  • First aid - How to respond
  • Emergency procedures - When to call 911

Frequency: Before hot weather, annually, when procedures change.

Types of Heat Illness​

Heat Rash​

Symptoms:

  • Red bumps on skin
  • Itching
  • Usually in areas covered by clothing

Treatment:

  • Keep skin dry
  • Work in cooler area
  • Usually resolves on own

Heat Cramps​

Symptoms:

  • Muscle cramps
  • Usually in legs, arms, abdomen
  • During or after work

Treatment:

  • Rest in cool area
  • Drink water or sports drink
  • Stretch muscles gently
  • Usually resolves in 30-60 minutes

Heat Exhaustion​

Symptoms:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Fast, weak pulse
  • Cool, moist skin

Treatment:

  • Move to cool area
  • Remove excess clothing
  • Cool with water, fan
  • Drink water
  • If no improvement in 1 hour, seek medical attention

Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency)​

Symptoms:

  • High body temperature (103°F+)
  • Hot, dry skin (no sweating)
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Seizures
  • Rapid, strong pulse

Treatment:

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Move to cool area
  • Cool rapidly (ice bath, wet sheets, fan)
  • Do not give fluids if unconscious
  • This is life-threatening

Emergency Procedures​

If Worker Shows Symptoms​

  1. Stop work - Immediately
  2. Move to shade - Cool area
  3. Assess symptoms - Determine severity
  4. Provide first aid - Cool, hydrate
  5. Call 911 - If heat stroke or no improvement
  6. Stay with worker - Until help arrives

Emergency Contacts​

Post at jobsite:

  • 911 - Emergency services
  • Nearest hospital - Address, phone
  • Supervisor - Contact information
  • Medical facility - Company clinic

Monitoring​

Weather Monitoring​

  • Check forecast - Daily weather forecast
  • Heat index - Monitor heat index
  • Adjust schedule - Based on conditions
  • Alert workers - High heat warnings

Worker Monitoring​

  • Watch for symptoms - Supervisors watch workers
  • Buddy system - Workers watch each other
  • Regular check-ins - Ask how workers feel
  • Act early - Don't wait for severe symptoms

Recordkeeping​

Required Records​

  • Written program - Keep current
  • Training records - Keep duration of employment
  • Incident reports - Document heat illness incidents
  • Weather logs - Daily temperature/humidity

Best Practices​

  1. Start early - Begin program before hot weather
  2. Acclimatize workers - Gradual exposure
  3. Monitor weather - Check conditions daily
  4. Provide water - Cool, accessible water
  5. Encourage breaks - In shade or cool area
  6. Train everyone - All workers and supervisors
  7. Watch for symptoms - Early recognition saves lives
Life-Threatening

Heat stroke can kill in minutes. Know the symptoms, provide immediate first aid, and call 911. Prevention is the best medicine—water, rest, and shade.