Heatstroke Prevention in Construction

How to Prevent Heatstroke When Working Construction

Do you know what to do if someone gets heatstroke when working construction? Here are some signs you need to look out for and tips on how to prevent heatstroke on your jobsite.

Why is heatstroke so serious?

Heatstroke can very quickly cause lasting organ damage and even death.

Within minutes of developing heatstroke, the brain, heart, veins, and kidneys begin to experience devastating breakdowns. The muscles then start to decay and release toxins into the bloodstream, further damaging the body.

It’s important to be aware of heatstroke so you can help prevent it in yourself and your coworkers.

What are the causes of heatstroke when working construction?

When it gets hot and/or humid outside, everyone is at risk of heat stroke.

The heat index tells you what the air feels like to the body when temperature and humidity are combined. But it can also tell you if the average person is likely to suffer heatstroke.

Humans enter the “danger zone” for sunstroke at a heat index of 90 degrees F, and the possibility for heatstroke occurs at any heat index above 105 degrees.

However, humidity makes it much harder to avoid heatstroke.

How does humidity impact the body?

High humidity means your body can’t cool itself off by sweating. You’ll continue to sweat and lose water & electrolytes, but your body doesn’t benefit from it anymore.

In humid (wet-bulb) conditions, your body completely loses the ability to cool itself at 95 degrees F.

When it’s humid, you need to be extra careful of heatstroke and take additional breaks in an air-conditioned area or vehicle.

How can I prevent heatstroke when working construction?

There are other risk factors for heatstroke beyond just the temperature and humidity. These can include the presence of external heat sources, workload, physical activity, health conditions, and the use of PPE or protective gear. Reduce the possibility of heatstroke by following these steps.

• Slow down and take breaks during strenuous activities.
  • If possible, reschedule your work to the coolest time of the day.
• Dress for summer: lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Get electrolytes.
  • It’s important not to overuse these, but one packet or sports drink a day can help refresh you from significant sweating.
• Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned environments.
• Avoid sunburn: sunburn makes it harder for your body to dissipate heat.
  • Check out our blog on sun safety for more information.
• Know your body’s heat tolerance.
  • Some conditions (ex. age), health conditions (ex. heart disease, asthma), and medications (ex. antidepressants, beta-blockers) can make it harder to cool off.
  • This is not an exhaustive list, so talk to your doctor if you have a chronic condition or medication.

Working indoors? Want to avoid worrying about heatstroke? We can help. Contact our Utility Services Department for all your portable A/C needs.

What are the symptoms?

It’s important to learn the symptoms of sunstroke and heatstroke. These can include:

• Confused or slurred speech
• Dizziness
• Painful muscle spasms
• Nausea and vomiting
• Red, hot, dry skin (heatstroke)
• Heavy sweating (sunstroke)
• Body temperature of 104 degrees or higher (heatstroke)
• Rapid breathing or fast heart rate
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

What should I do if someone has heatstroke?

If you suspect someone is a victim of heatstroke, drop what you’re doing, call 911, and immediately start working to cool the person. Every minute counts.

There are two ways to cool a person as quickly as possible.

• If possible, submerge the person in ice water.
  • Research out of the Korey Stringer Institute shows that immediate cooling is the best way to prevent organ damage.
• Or, if possible, immediately move them to an air conditioned area.
  • No running cars that are already cool? Move the person to a shady area.

The following should be done in addition to moving the person to an air-conditioned area.

• Remove the person’s outer clothing to allow their body to cool.
• Cool them quickly with cold water by placing ice packs on the person’s skin.
  • Aim for where blood vessels are close to the surface, especially on the head, neck, armpits, and groin.
• Pour water over the person and fan the air around them to encourage their body to cool.
• Don’t give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other fever-reducers.
• Only give water if the person is fully alert, or they could choke and aspirate.

For more information, visit the National Weather Service or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

 

Prepare your equipment, jobsites, and employees for warmer temperatures to help avoid injuries and downtime from work. Visit our blog to learn more summer safety tips!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August 2022. We updated it for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness in June 2026.

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