Toolbox Talk #02 · Heat

Heat Illness Prevention

Water, rest, shade: acclimatization, heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke, and Texas summer protocols.

5-minute talkSign-in sheet includedEN + ES

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⚡ Heat kills more workers each year than any natural disaster: 436 workers died from heat illness in 2022 (BLS). Texas heat index regularly exceeds 110°F.

Why This Matters

Texas heat is a genuine killer on construction sites. The heat index: how hot it actually feels: can reach dangerous levels before 10 a.m. in July. Heat stroke, the most severe form, can kill within minutes if not treated immediately. New workers and anyone returning from time off are especially vulnerable during their first 7–14 days back on the job.

Key Points: Read These Aloud
  1. Water, rest, shade: the OSHA foundation. Drink at least 1 cup of water every 15–20 minutes, even when you're not thirsty.
  2. New workers must acclimatize: start at 20% of normal workload on day one and increase by 20% each day for 7–14 days.
  3. Heat exhaustion signs: heavy sweating, weakness, cold/pale/clammy skin, nausea, dizziness: rest in shade and hydrate immediately.
  4. Heat stroke is a medical emergency: hot/red/dry skin, confusion, fast pulse, loss of consciousness: call 911 and cool the worker down now.
  5. Buddy system: check on your crew frequently. A worker with heat illness may not realize how impaired they are.
  6. OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention standard activates at 80°F: know this site's heat action plan and who is monitoring the heat index today.
  7. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks during hot shifts. Electrolyte drinks help during extended outdoor work.
Discussion Questions: Ask Your Crew
Q1What is our site's heat action plan and who is responsible for monitoring the heat index today?
Q2Have you ever seen a coworker show signs of heat illness? What did you do, and what should you do?
Q3Which workers on our crew are most at risk today: new hires, returning from vacation, or taking certain medications?
Site-Specific Notes

Recommended Gear for This Talk

Hand-picked PPE and supplies that match this safety topic. Links go to Amazon search results.

Silhouette of construction workers at a job site during sunset

Evaporative Cooling Towel

Wet, wring, snap to activate. Reusable all summer. Keep one per worker.

~$8–18View on Amazon
Person holding a reusable water bottle outdoors

Insulated Jobsite Water Jug

1-gallon minimum. Keeps water cold 24h. Easier than individual bottles.

~$30–60View on Amazon
Two workers in protective gear walking through an industrial plant

Hard Hat Sun Shade Brim

Attaches to any standard hard hat. Blocks UV on the neck and ears.

~$10–20View on Amazon

Greenberg Safety participates in the Amazon Associates program. If you purchase through these links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we would specify on a real jobsite.