HEAT IS ON: Construction experts share tips on working in record-breaking temps

The U.S. and Wisconsin on Monday experienced record-breaking heat that is expected to linger in the central and eastern U.S. ahead of July 4, according to the National Weather Service. With construction work ramping up on state roads and structures, experts and OSHA pointed to the big three for working in heat: Rest, water and shade.

The NWS issued an extreme heat warning in Milwaukee starting at 12 p.m. and continuing through the night with peak heat index values up to 108 degrees and overnight index values in the upper 70s.

With major construction going on at sites such as the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin, the Kern Engineering Innovation Center, Foxtown Landing and more, construction crews are advised to rest, water and shade per Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidance. As temperature rises, so does the risk of heat illness on construction sites and other heavy outdoor jobs.

Staying hydrated is the best way to avoid heat illness, experts said

Under OSHA regulations, employers must protect employees from recognized hazards such as the case of a heat warning and take extra precautions to prevent illness, said Jared Weber, a safety manager at Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin.

Experts agreed that workers must take action to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can turn deadly when not treated quickly.

“Water is supplied on every site,” said Dan Burazin, safety director at the Associated General Contractors of Greater Milwaukee, a group that represents large area contractors. “Some will even provide electrolyte drinks like Gatorade. Workers are encouraged to constantly hydrate, not just when they get thirsty. Some may require more frequent breaks or even shut down if the heat and humidity reach a certain level.”

Heat and dehydration can cause workers to get sick and require medical attention, Weber said. If a worker has an underlying health condition, they are at higher risk of heat illness. Crews and supervisors should conduct heat illness training and learn to identify the symptoms of heat illness, he added.

Workers are encouraged to report when they feel ill, Burazin said. If circumstances become extreme, they can also choose to leave.

Prevention and planning also play a large role in heat safety, Weber said. Supervisors should watch the forecast and adjust work schedules and working locations as necessary. Outdoor and rooftop activities should be limited to the morning before temperatures get extreme, and workers should work in the shade as much as possible.

Workers can be outside in the mornings, but should move inside or in the shade when temperatures are too high outside, Weber said. If possible, workers should start on the west side of a building in the morning and then the east side in the afternoon to stay in the shade.

“Workers should listen to their bodies,” Weber said. “If they are thirsty, they must drink water or an electrolyte beverage as soon as possible.”

What comes out is as important as what goes in, as urine color can determine if someone is dehydrated. Not urinating, heavy sweating or not sweating are also signs that action must be taken immediately.

If someone is feeling nauseous, dizzy, cramped or unwell, they should get to a cool place to recover, Weber said. However, they should avoid climbing a ladder if they feel dizzy.

“You want them to get to safety right away, but you need to make sure that they are capable of climbing down a ladder without fainting halfway down,” he added.

Watch for signs of heat illness and act quickly

OSHA also shared the signs of heat-related emergencies and heat illness. The agency recommended employers to have a heat illness prevention program in place.

Signs of heat-related emergencies include abnormal thinking or behavior, slurred speech, seizures, fainting, heavy sweating or hot, dry skin. If a worker experiences any of these symptoms on a job site, someone should call 911 and cool the worker right away with water or ice. Additionally, it’s recommended to remove unnecessary clothing and stay with the worker until help arrives.

Crews and supervisors should watch out for symptoms of heat illness, including headache or nausea, weakness or dizziness, elevated body temperature, thirst and decreased urination, OSHA officials said. These symptoms will intensify over time if action to hydrate, rest and cool down isn’t taken.

OSHA also has the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Index App to show heat indexes and risk on a given day.

New OSHA heat standard stalls

In 2024, OSHA proposed a new standard for employers in industries such as the building trades conducting outdoor and indoor work. If finalized, the rule would require employers to create heat emergency response plans and provide training to employees and supervisors. Both major contractor associations pushed back on the proposal.

The agency’s National Emphasis Program on outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards expired April 8, 2026. The NEP allowed OSHA to carry out proactive inspections whenever the heat index reached 80 degrees or when the NWS issued a heat warning or advisory. It also gave the agency priority to respond to heat-related on-site fatalities, complaints and reported hospitalizations.

The federal government hasn’t indicated to the public whether it will extend or replace the NEP after it expired on April 8, according to a blog post by Ogletree Deakins.