As summer temperatures rise, so do the risks for crews working outdoors. For building contractors, June is not only the start of peak project season — it’s also the perfect time to double down on job site safety, especially when it comes to preventing heat-related illnesses.
That’s why OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Campaign is so important. This annual initiative is aimed at raising awareness and encouraging proactive measures to protect workers from the dangers of excessive heat on the job.
What Is OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Campaign?
Launched by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the campaign is a nationwide effort to reduce heat-related injuries and fatalities, particularly in high-risk industries like construction, agriculture, and landscaping.
The campaign centers on three core principles:
Water. Rest. Shade.
These simple guidelines can mean the difference between a productive day on site and a medical emergency.
Why This Matters for Contractors
Construction workers are among the most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to long hours in direct sunlight, strenuous labor, and heat-trapping personal protective equipment (PPE).
A few critical facts:
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Heat illness can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
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New or returning workers are at higher risk due to lack of acclimatization.
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OSHA can fine employers under the General Duty Clause if they fail to provide adequate heat protection — even in the absence of a specific heat safety standard.
With new heat-related regulations under development, the expectations for contractors are increasing. Now’s the time to lead by example.
What Contractors Should Do Right Now
Here are five practical steps you can take to align your job sites with OSHA’s campaign and keep your crews safe:
1. Implement a Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIP Plan)
Document and enforce a plan that outlines when breaks will be taken, how water and shade will be provided, and what actions supervisors should take if a worker shows signs of heat stress.
2. Train Your Teams
Educate supervisors and workers on the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke — including dizziness, confusion, cramps, and excessive sweating. Make heat safety part of your toolbox talks and onboarding process.
3. Provide Constant Access to Water and Shade
Ensure workers have easy and frequent access to clean, cool water and shaded areas or climate-controlled spaces to recover.
4. Use Technology
Encourage the use of the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App for real-time heat index alerts, location-based forecasts, and safety reminders.
5. Acclimate New Workers
Gradually increase workloads and exposure for new or returning workers to help them adjust safely to hot environments.
Why June Is the Ideal Time to Act
June kicks off summer, and many contractors are scaling up operations. That makes it a strategic time to schedule safety training and put new prevention protocols in place.
By acting early, you’ll:
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Prevent injuries before they happen
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Reduce downtime due to heat-related incidents
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Stay ahead of regulatory expectations
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Reinforce your commitment to a safety-first culture
We Can Help
Whether you’re looking for private safety session, or schedule EM-385 or OSHA training, we offer tailored programs for contractors of all sizes.
Get in touch to prepare your crews for the summer heat — before it becomes a problem.
