Employers are responsible for providing a work environment free from recognized hazards, this includes protecting workers from heat exposures that could cause illness or death. Construction workers are often exposed to high temperatures during the course of work and for this reason, a complete Heat Illness Prevention Program should be implemented and monitored to protect them.  Some workers might have a greater risk than others if they have not built up a tolerance to hot conditions, including new workers, temporary workers, or those returning to work after a week or more off. 

Do you have a Heat Illness Prevention Program in place? Are your workers trained to recognize the symptoms of heat related illnesses? Employers need to plan for emergencies and train employees in Heat Illness Prevention. In extreme heat situations, water, rest and shade must be provided. When training your employees, provide them with information on the health effects of heat exposure. Teach them how to respond to heat illness symptoms and how to prevent them from occurring. This information must be presented to them in a language that they understand.  So what are you doing to make sure your employees have the best understanding of Heat Illness Prevention when they are out on the job working for you? It is the employer's responsibility to implement the necessary training programs and safety management systems that protect workers every day on every job. 

For more information on Heat Illness Prevention, or other construction industry safety questions or concerns, please contact PGM Safety Services, an affiliate company of Pro Group Management, and we will be happy to assist you at (800) 859-3177.