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☀️ Heat Stress Prevention

Topic: Preventing heat-related illness Duration: 5-7 minutes Best for: Summer months, outdoor work

The Stakes​

Heat kills more construction workers than any other weather-related hazard. In 2023, dozens of workers died from heat exposure.

Heat illness can progress from discomfort to death in under an hour.

Types of Heat Illness​

Heat Cramps​

  • Muscle cramps/spasms
  • Usually in legs, arms, or abdomen
  • Action: Rest in shade, drink water, stretch

Heat Exhaustion​

  • Heavy sweating
  • Weakness, dizziness
  • Nausea, headache
  • Cool, moist skin
  • Action: Move to shade, cool down, hydrate. If no improvement in 15 min, seek medical help.

Heat Stroke (EMERGENCY)​

  • High body temperature (103°F+)
  • Hot, red, dry skin (no sweating)
  • Confusion, slurred speech
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Action: Call 911 immediately. Cool worker with water/ice. This is life-threatening.

Prevention: Water, Rest, Shade​

Water​

  • Drink water before you're thirsty
  • 1 cup (8 oz) every 15-20 minutes
  • Avoid caffeine and energy drinks
  • Cool water is better than cold

Rest​

  • Take breaks in shade
  • More frequent breaks as temperature rises
  • New workers need more breaks (acclimatization)

Shade​

  • Provide shade for breaks
  • Rotate workers out of direct sun
  • Use canopies, tarps, or trailers

Know the Warning Signs​

In Yourself:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Excessive sweating (or sudden stop of sweating)
  • Rapid heartbeat

In Coworkers:

  • Confusion or irritability
  • Slurred speech
  • Unsteady walking
  • Pale or flushed skin

Buddy System: Watch out for each other. Heat illness can impair judgment — the affected person may not realize they're in danger.

High-Risk Workers​

Pay extra attention to:

  • New workers (first 2 weeks)
  • Workers returning from vacation/illness
  • Workers on certain medications
  • Workers wearing heavy PPE
  • Older workers
  • Workers who are overweight

Discussion Questions​

  1. Where is shade available on this site?
  2. Where is the water/hydration station?
  3. What's our plan if someone shows heat stroke symptoms?
  4. Who has worked through an extremely hot day? What helped?

Today's Commitment​

"Today I will drink water regularly and watch my coworkers for signs of heat illness."

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