Understanding Heat Illness Prevention:
Preventing heat illness on the construction site requires drinking plenty of water, taking scheduled rest breaks in the shade, and watching out for your coworkers.
Water: Stay Hydrated!
- Drink often: Drink about 1 cup (8 ounces) of cool water every 15 to 20 minutes.
- Don’t wait: If you feel thirsty, your body is already starting to dehydrate.
- Avoid extras: Skip sugary sodas, energy drinks, and alcohol, which can make dehydration worse.
Rest: Take Breaks
- Pace yourself: Slow down when the temperature and humidity climb.
- Use shade: Take your breaks in a designated cool or shady spot out of the direct sun.
- Build tolerance: New or returning workers need time to adjust to hot weather. Gradually increase their heavy work time over a two-week period (the 20% rule: work no more than 20% of a full shift in the heat on day one, adding 20% each day).
Shade: Recognize the Signs
- Heat Exhaustion: Look for heavy sweating, extreme tiredness, dizziness, headache, or nausea. Move the person to the shade, loosen their gear, and give them small sips of cool water.
- Heat Stroke (Emergency): Look for confusion, slurred speech, hot and dry skin (no sweating), or passing out. Call 911 immediately. This is a life-threatening emergency. Cool the worker down right away with wet towels or ice packs.
Watch Out for Each Other
- Use the buddy system: Check in on your coworkers frequently to spot early signs of heat stress.
If there are further questions regarding the Berg Group heat illness prevention plan on your project, please contact your supervisor or safety team member.
**If you are a Contract or Brokered labor employee of the Berg Group. Please consult your company/employer heat illness prevention plan. All heat illness prevention plans and training must comply with OSHA standards, Berg Group policy and client/GC standards. Please reach out to your specific company supervisor or representative with questions concerning their company heat illness prevention training and plans.
