Created with AI, curated by Andrew Johnson, CSP, CHST, CRIS, AGC Safety Management Consultant
As Oregon heads into the peak summer season, construction crews are facing more than just busy project timelines. The combination of increased daylight, extended work hours, and post-shift outdoor activities raises serious concerns about heat illness, fatigue, and dehydration.
The most common mistake during the summer? Waiting for the first heatwave before taking action. Preparation is critical, especially for new or returning workers who haven’t adjusted to rising temperatures. Oregon OSHA’s heat illness prevention rules require specific actions at 80°F and enhanced protections above 90°F, including access to shade, hydration, rest breaks, and communication protocols.
Annual training prior to the summer season should focus on signs and symptoms of heat illness, your company’s heat illness prevention program, site-specific requirements, and emergency response procedures.
Recommended Acclimatization Strategies:
Acclimatization, which involves gradually increasing exposure to heat over 7–14 days, is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious heat-related illnesses.
- New hires or returning workers: Start with at least two hours per day in the heat, increasing by 20% each day.
- Experienced workers: Start at 50% and build up over a few days.
- Monitor closely for signs of distress, such as headaches, dizziness, or confusion.
- Be sure to document the acclimatization schedule.
Key Requirements
When the ambient temperature reaches 80°F, the following requirements must be implemented:
- Access to drinking water
- Access to shade
- Employee training
- Written Heat Illness Prevention Plan
- The plan must include:
- Information on how water and shade are provided.
- Work-rest schedules and acclimatization strategies.
- Procedures for emergency medical services.
- Methods for effective supervision and employee monitoring.
At 90°F, additional protections must be implemented beyond those required at 80°F:
- Cool-down rest breaks
- Observation and monitoring
- Effective communication system
- Emergency response procedures
Fatigue and Dehydration
While heat illness often gets attention, fatigue and dehydration are just as dangerous, especially during back-to-back hot days. As workloads ramp up to meet deadlines, and crews try to balance jobsite demands with family and recreational activities, the physical and mental toll builds quickly.
Look out for:
- Dehydration from caffeine or inadequate fluid intake
- Fatigue from short sleep or long commutes
- Overexertion due to schedule pressures or staffing gaps
These issues reduce alertness, slow reaction times, and raise injury risks, even in experienced teams.
What Your Team Can Do Now
Supervisors and Safety Leads:
- Implement a formal acclimatization plan for all workers.
- Follow your company’s heat illness policies and develop a site-specific plan for each project.
- Ensure that water, rest, and shade are part of the daily workflow, not just available when needed.
- Adjust work schedules where possible to avoid peak afternoon heat.
- Train teams to recognize the symptoms of heat illness and fatigue in themselves and others.
- Train teams on emergency procedures.
Workers:
- Hydrate before, during, and after work; drink water every 15–20 minutes, even if you’re not thirsty.
- Speak up early if you’re feeling drained; don’t push through symptoms.
- Watch out for coworkers showing signs of fatigue or heat stress.
- Don’t skip breakfast; hydration and nutrition begin before the shift.
- Avoid alcohol or heavy meals late in the evening; both impact next-day fatigue.
Be sure to utilize the resources available from AGC and Oregon OSHA to help support your company’s efforts to keep your employees safe. AGC safety management consultants have many resources to help you succeed. Oregon OSHA also offers numerous valuable resources on heat illness.
Summer construction in Oregon is both productive and beautiful, yet also challenging. Don’t let preventable incidents derail your team or your project. The heat is coming; start preparing now so your crew stays safe through the season.