Heat Illness Prevention

Talking points

1. Heat illness kills more construction workers than any other weather-related hazard. The three stages — heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke — can progress rapidly.
2. Water, rest, and shade are the foundation. Drink water every 15 to 20 minutes — do not wait until you are thirsty. Cold water is better than room-temperature water.
3. New workers and those returning from a week or more away must be acclimatized gradually — start with 20% of the normal workload on day one and increase by 20% each day.
4. Know the signs of heat stroke: confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, hot dry skin, or seizures. This is a medical emergency — call 911 and cool the worker immediately.
5. OSHA's proposed rule would set a mandatory action trigger at a heat index of 80°F. Even before it takes effect, use that as your guideline.

Ask the crew

What's the heat index expected to be today — and where is our nearest shade and water station?

Standards this talk is built on

• Section 5(a)(1)
• Proposed Rule 2026

A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.

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