Heat Illness Prevention

Why it matters

Heat kills workers every summer, and most victims are in their first week on a hot job because their bodies never got a chance to adjust. Heat stroke can take a healthy man down in under an hour. Water, shade, and watching each other are the whole program.

Hazards

• ⚠ Working through the hottest hours without scheduled breaks
• ⚠ New workers not acclimatized to the heat
• ⚠ Dehydration: waiting until you are thirsty is already too late
• ⚠ Dark, heavy clothing and impermeable PPE trapping heat
• ⚠ Ignoring early signs: headache, dizziness, cramps, confusion
• ⚠ No one assigned to check on workers in isolated spots

Controls and safe practices

• ✓ Drink about one cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes, before you feel thirsty.
• ✓ Take breaks in shade or air conditioning. Schedule heavy work for cooler hours.
• ✓ New and returning workers ramp up over several days. Do not throw them into full sun on day one.
• ✓ Use a buddy system. Nobody works alone in high heat.
• ✓ Know the signs: cramps and heavy sweating mean rest and water now. Confusion, hot dry skin, or collapse means call 911 and cool the person immediately.
• ✓ Cool the victim with water and ice while waiting for help. Minutes matter.

Crew discussion questions

1. Where is the water and shade on this site today?
2. Who on the crew is new or coming back from time off and needs a lighter first day?
3. What time are we scheduling the heaviest work?
4. Who is checking on the crew members working alone?

Applicable OSHA standards

OSH Act 5(a)(1)

More toolbox talks

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• Lockout / Tagout: Controlling Energized Circuits
• Trench and Excavation Safety
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• PPE Head to Toe

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