Simplifying your toolbox talks
Learn more

What you need to know

Heat-related illnesses pose serious health risks, including conditions like heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. Outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable. Although construction workers make up less than 10% of the workforce, they account for over 30% of heat-related deaths.1

Types of heat related-illnesses (HRIs): Heat rash, heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), rhabdomyolysis (muscle fiber death), heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Know the symptoms:
Heat Exhaustion:
  • Heavy sweating
  • Cold, pale, or clammy skin
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Fast, weak pulse
  • Low urine output
  • Muscle cramps
Heat Stroke:
  • High body temperature (above 103°F)
  • Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
  • Rapid and strong pulse
  • Confusion or altered mental state
  • Loss of consciousness

Note: Heat stroke can be fatal.

What you can do

Recognize the symptoms of heat stress and heat related illnesses.

Notify your supervisor or seek medical help immediately if you experience or recognize a coworker with a heat-related illness. Stop work and get yourself or coworker to a cool shaded area, remove heavy clothing and get access to cool drinking water.

Monitor the weather. Evaluate forecasted conditions and adjust your work plans and clothing accordingly. Use tools like the NIOSH/OSHA Heat Safety Tool App to monitor temperature and humidity.

Acclimatization Plan: Gradually build up your workload as your body adapts to hot conditions.

Modify Work Periods: Avoid high heat times and increase breaks or rest periods.

Hydration and Nutrition:
  • Consume water and electrolyte-based drinks regularly.
  • Avoid caffeine, sugary drinks, and alcohol.
  • Avoid heavy meals
Cooling Measures:
  • Use wet towels, ice, and lightweight, breathable clothing.
  • Use fans or air conditioning units
  • Provide access to shade or cooled areas.

Why preventing heat-related injuries matters

Heat related injuries, such as heat stroke, can be fatal. Workers who work in direct sunlight, enclosed spaces with high temperatures, near heat-producing equipment, or on heat-absorbing surfaces like asphalt are at high risk. Combined with strenuous activities, humidity, poor hydration, or personal health factors, these conditions can quickly lead to serious injury or fatality from heat-related illnesses (HRI).
Confirm review of this toolbox talks article.
Confirm

More resources

Supplement this talk: Heat stress and heat-related illness
More on this topic: Manage heat-related risks to minimize work-related injuries
Construction resources: Construction Risk Management

[1] CPWR: The Center for Construction Research. Heat Hazards.

The information included is designed for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or any other sort of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to make sure the information is accurate, but it could be outdated or even inaccurate in parts. It is the reader’s responsibility to comply with any applicable local, state, or federal regulations. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and their employees make no warranties about the information nor guarantee of results, and they assume no liability in connection with the information provided.