Weather forecasts indicate that portions of Michigan may experience elevated temperatures and dangerous heat index values next week. These conditions can quickly pose serious health risks to construction workers performing strenuous outdoor work.
Now is the time to review your heat illness prevention procedures and ensure your crews are prepared before temperatures rise.
MIOSHA Heat Illness Emphasis Program
In addition to the safety concerns associated with extreme heat, employers should be aware that MIOSHA is currently conducting a Heat Illness Emphasis Program. Under this initiative, MIOSHA compliance officers are placing additional focus on heat-related hazards and employer efforts to protect workers from heat stress and heat illness.
Employers should be prepared to demonstrate the measures they have implemented to protect employees from excessive heat exposure, including training, hydration practices, rest breaks, acclimatization procedures, and emergency response planning.
Why This Matters
Construction workers are among the occupations most at risk for heat-related illnesses. High temperatures, direct sunlight, heavy physical exertion, and personal protective equipment can combine to create hazardous working conditions. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop rapidly and may become life-threatening if not recognized and addressed immediately.
Recommended Preparations
Before the heat arrives, employers should consider the following actions:
- Review your heat illness prevention procedures with all employees.
- Ensure an adequate supply of cool drinking water is available at all job sites.
- Identify shaded or air-conditioned recovery areas for employees.
- Encourage workers to drink water frequently throughout the day, even before they feel thirsty.
- Schedule the most physically demanding work during cooler morning hours whenever possible.
- Increase supervision of new employees and workers returning from extended absences, as they may not be acclimatized to hot weather.
- Consider implementing additional rest breaks during periods of extreme heat.
- Review emergency procedures for responding to heat-related illnesses.
- Encourage employees to immediately report symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating, nausea, confusion, muscle cramps, or weakness.
Know the Signs
Heat Exhaustion
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness or fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cool, pale, clammy skin
Heat Stroke – Medical Emergency
- Confusion or altered mental status
- Loss of consciousness
- Hot, dry skin or cessation of sweating
- Seizures
- Body temperature above 103°F
If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately and begin cooling the worker while waiting for emergency responders.
MITA Is Available to Help
As temperatures increase, MITA is available to assist members by conducting onsite toolbox talks focused on heat illness prevention, worker hydration, acclimatization, symptom recognition, and emergency response procedures.
If you would like a MITA Safety Representative to visit your project and conduct a Heat Illness Prevention Toolbox Talk, please feel free to contact Greg Brooks at gregbrooks@thinkmita.org or Matt Moody at mattmoody@thinkmita.org. They can also be reached through the MITA office at 517-347-8336.
Extreme heat is a predictable hazard. Taking proactive steps now can prevent serious injuries, save lives, and help ensure compliance with MIOSHA expectations.
Stay Alert. Stay Hydrated. Stay Safe.
