Heat Illness Prevention: What Every Supervisor Must Know Before Summer
Heat stroke can kill in under an hour. As temperatures rise, construction supervisors need a solid heat illness prevention plan — hydration schedules, rest breaks, shaded rest areas, and a clear emergency response protocol.
Heat stroke can kill a worker in under an hour. When core body temperature exceeds 104°F, the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles can begin to fail. It's a medical emergency — and by the time symptoms are obvious, you're already in crisis mode. Prevention is the only real strategy.
Know the Three Stages of Heat Illness
- 1Heat Cramps — Painful muscle spasms, often in legs or abdomen. Move worker to shade, hydrate with electrolytes.
- 2Heat Exhaustion — Heavy sweating, weakness, cold/pale/clammy skin, weak pulse, nausea. Immediate rest, cool environment, hydration.
- 3Heat Stroke — High body temp (103°F+), hot/red/dry skin, rapid strong pulse, possible unconsciousness. Call 911 immediately. This is a life-threatening emergency.
The 20-Minute Rule
OSHA recommends starting new workers on a heat acclimatization schedule: no more than 20% of the full workday in high heat for the first day, increasing by 20% each subsequent day. It takes 7-14 days for the body to fully acclimatize to working in heat. Rushing this process kills workers.
Tip: Hydration Rule: Workers should drink 1 cup (8 oz) of water every 15-20 minutes in the heat — not when they're thirsty. Thirst is already a sign of early dehydration. Have cool water available within 100 feet of every worker.
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