Temperature (Heat)
Temperature
Construction workers generally work outside and are exposed to heat and the sun. Too
much heat or cold, especially if combined with high humidity or high winds, can harm
your health and interfere with work. Hot, humid conditions can cause heat exhaustion,
cramps, and even fainting. Employers have a responsibility to protect workers from
extreme temperatures.
Heat
At times, workers may be required to work in hot
environments for long periods. When the human body’s
unable to maintain a normal temperature, heat-related
illnesses can occur and may result in death.
Heat Disorders and Health Effects
Heat
Cramps
Painful, brief muscle spasms caused by
performing hard physical labor in a hot
environment.
Thirst cannot be relied on as a guide to the need for
water; instead, water must be taken every 15 to 20
minutes in hot environments.
Cramps have been attributed to an electrolyte
imbalance caused by sweating.
Drinking commercially available carbohydrate-electrolyte
replacement liquids is effective in minimizing
physiological disturbances during recovery.
Cramps can be caused by both too much and
too little salt.
Cramps appear to be caused by the lack of
water replenishment.
Heat
Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
Signs and symptoms; headache, nausea,
vertigo, weakness, thirst, and giddiness.
Fainting can be dangerous because the victim
may be operating machinery or controlling an
operation that should not be left unattended.
Workers suffering from heat exhaustion should be
removed from the hot environment and given fluid
replacement.
Stop physical activity and get adequate rest.
Body’s system of temperature regulation fails
and body temperature rises to critical levels.
Professional medical treatment should be obtained
immediately.
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke are
confusion;
irrational
behavior;
loss
of
consciousness; convulsions; a lack of sweating
(usually); hot, dry skin; and an abnormally high
body temperature
Worker should be placed in a shady area and the outer
clothing should be removed.
Skin should be wetted and air movement around the
worker should be increased to improve evaporative
cooling.
Fluids should be replaced as soon as possible.
No employee suspected of being ill from heat stroke
should be sent home or left unattended.
Temperature (Heat)
Contractor Responsibilities towards Heat
OSHA does not have a specific regulation
regarding heat stress. However, feasible and
acceptable methods can be used to reduce
heat stress hazards in workplaces. These
include, but are not limited to:
OTI South West Education Center/elcoshimages.org
1. Monitor weather conditions (NOAA’s Heat
Index) and adhere to precautions and
warnings.
2. Permitting workers to drink water at liberty.
3. Establishing provisions for a work/rest
regimen so that exposure time to high
temperatures and/or the work rate is
decreased.
4. Developing a program that provides for
training on the effects of heat stress, and
how to recognize heat-related illness
symptoms and prevent heat-induced
illnesses.
Temperature Hazard Example…
Enclosed spaces, such as attics, can
be a temperature extreme hazard
(hot).
NOAA’s National Weather Service
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
Relative Humidity (%)
Heat Index
Temperature (ºF)
Likelihood of Heat Disorders with Prolonged Exposure or Strenuous Activity
Caution
Caution
Extreme
Caution
Extreme Caution
Danger
Danger
Extreme
Danger
Extreme Danger
Temperature (Heat)
Sun
Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes
premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer.
There are no safe UV rays or safe suntans. Be especially careful
in the sun if you burn easily, spend a lot of time outdoors, or have
any of the following physical features: numerous, irregular, or
large moles; freckles; fair skin; or blond, red, or light brown hair.
Here’s how to block those harmful rays:
 Cover up. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
 Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Be sure to follow
application directions on the bottle or tube.
 Wear a wide brim hard hat, this works best because it protects the neck, ears, eyes,
forehead, nose, and scalp.
 Wear UV-absorbent sunglasses (eye protection).
 Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA
and UVB radiation. Before you buy sunglasses, read the product tag or label.
 Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Safe Work Practices (Heat)
The combination of heat and humidity can be a serious health threat
during the summer months. If you work outside you may be at
increased risk for heat related illness. So, take precautions. Here’s
how:
 Drink small amounts of water frequently.
 Wear
light-colored, loose-fitting,
clothing—cotton is good.
breathable
 Take frequent short breaks in cool shade.
 Eat smaller meals before work activity.
 Avoid caffeine and alcohol or large amounts of
sugar.
 Work in the shade.
 Find out from your health care provider if your
medications and heat don’t mix.
 Know that equipment such as respirators or work
suits can increase heat stress.