Be Prepared As Summer Months Approach - Complying With COVID-19 May Increase Chances of Heat Related Illness
Joe Whiteman, director of safety services  5-2021

Listening to ASCC members share lessons and resources during the monthly COVID-19 roundtable, I am constantly amazed and reassured that we as an association and an industry have navigated the exposure and health related challenges well. In fact, as large as the construction industry is, we have done tremendously better than other industries, and at full capacity, as construction was deemed essential in most areas. A few of the reasons for this, I believe: pre-planning activities, identifying risks and hazards, and implementing controls to mitigate hazards. Once the hazards of COVID-19 and routes of exposure were identified, it was easy to incorporate controls into our daily routine. We have done very well overall as much of the construction industry has focused on training, education, and preplanning. That said, with the focus on controls, practices and added layers of PPE, I want to remind you to be prepared for the hot summer months ahead. These same controls could lead to an increase in heat exposure and heat illness if you are not prepared. Use these tips to gauge yourself on your readiness, then train, communicate, and prepare!

• Train employees to recognize the early symptoms of heat related illness. Remember that heat related illness can look and feel like early symptoms of COVID-19 such as elevated body temperature and excessive sweating. Early detection may help reduce the severity of the illness or help identify a COVID-19 exposure early on, allowing you to start testing and contact tracing sooner rather than later.
• New workers may be out of shape, not use to the added layers and PPE requirements to protect against COVID-19. Employers should plan, incorporate more training, and allow more time for employees to acclimate to the heat.
• Face masks and coverings can impede early detection of heat related illness as part of the face may be covered. To combat this, communication between craftworkers and supervision should be continuous. Encourage employees communication with one another about their physical condition throughout the day.
• Ensure proper space and shaded areas are available for short breaks and that employees remain able to practice social distancing in the workspace.
• It may be beneficial to expand emergency response and first aid training to more than just a few designees on the project or crew, as we run a greater risk of this hazard and the challenge of being able to identify symptoms.

If we plan and train accordingly, and allow for the above-mentioned precautions, we can do our part to provide a safe and healthy workplace. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Safety and Insurance Hotline at (866) 788-2722 or email me at jwhiteman@ascconline.org.