Heat Illness & Cold Stress
Heat Illness
Prevention
Prevention
OSHA General Duty Clause · NYC DOH Heat Advisory Protocol · OSHA 3154 Heat Guidelines
New York City's summer heat index regularly tops 100°F when humidity is factored in. Construction workers in direct sunlight on reflective concrete surfaces, in roofing kettles, or working below grade in enclosed spaces face extreme heat exposure. Heat illness kills — and it is entirely preventable.
Heat Illness Progression — Know Every Stage
- Heat Cramps: Muscle spasms, usually legs or abdomen. Cause: salt/fluid loss. Action: rest in cool area, electrolyte drink, do not return to heavy exertion
- Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, pale/clammy skin, weakness, nausea, fast/weak pulse. Action: move to cool area immediately, cool with wet cloths, small sips of water, call foreman
- Heat Stroke (EMERGENCY): Core temp ≥ 103°F, hot/red/dry OR damp skin, confusion, slurred speech, unconsciousness. Action: Call 911 IMMEDIATELY. Cool the worker by any means available while waiting for EMS. This is life-threatening.
Water · Rest · Shade — The NYC Mantra
- Water: Drink 1 cup (8 oz) every 15–20 minutes throughout the shift — don't wait until you're thirsty. Thirst means you're already dehydrated
- Rest: Take scheduled rest breaks in a cool or shaded area — the foreman must enforce this. Do not skip breaks during heat advisories
- Shade: Rest areas must be at 76°F or cooler. Below-grade and enclosed spaces require mechanical ventilation during heat conditions
Acclimatization — The First Two Weeks Matter
- New workers and those returning from absence need 7–14 days to acclimate to working in heat
- Week 1: limit new/returning workers to 50% of full heat exposure
- Week 2: ramp to 60%, then 80%, then full exposure by Day 14
- Buddy system during acclimatization — watch for early symptoms in the worker next to you
NYC Heat Advisory Response
- When NYC DOH issues a Heat Emergency, OSHA's General Duty Clause requires employers to take additional protective measures
- GC and SSM must increase rest break frequency and add hydration stations during heat advisories
- Workers on certain medications (blood pressure, diuretics, antidepressants) are at higher risk — they must notify their foreman
- Document all heat-related illness incidents in the SSM Daily Report (PL-001) and notify DOB within 24 hours for any heat hospitalization
Discussion Questions
- What are the three stages of heat illness in order from least to most severe?
- A coworker suddenly becomes confused and stops sweating on a 95°F day. What do you do?
- How many ounces of water should you drink per hour during hot weather work?
- What is acclimatization and why does it matter for new workers starting in summer?
Sign-Off
Project Address
Date
Time
Foreman / Supervisor
SSM / SSC Name & License No.
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