13 Heat and Cold Illness Prevention
OSHA's proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention standard (NPRM Aug. 2024) has not been finalized, but OSHA renewed its Heat National Emphasis Program on April 10, 2026, and construction is a targeted industry. Heat hazards are cited under the General Duty Clause. This plan is mandatory 3F policy.
13.1 Heat Illness Prevention Plan
-
Water — cool drinking water at no cost, readily accessible: at least one quart per employee per hour in hot conditions; encourage drinking every 15–20 minutes
-
Rest and shade — shaded or air-conditioned break areas; scheduled rest breaks that increase with heat index; adjust work hours toward cooler parts of the day when feasible
-
Acclimatization — new and returning workers are phased into hot work over 1–2 weeks (rule of thumb: start at 20% exposure, increase no more than 20% per day); heightened supervision during heat waves
-
Monitoring and triggers — supervisors check the forecast/heat index daily; at a heat index of 80°F implement water/shade/breaks and a buddy system; at 90°F+ add mandatory rest cycles, more frequent checks, and consider rescheduling heavy work
-
Training — annually and at hire: heat illness signs (cramps, exhaustion, heat stroke), risk factors (PPE, humidity, medications), first aid, and emergency response
-
Emergency response — suspected heat stroke (confusion, collapse, hot dry skin) is a 911 emergency: move to shade, aggressively cool with water/ice while waiting, never leave the worker alone
13.2 Cold Stress (Chicago Winters)
-
Layered, dry clothing; insulated gloves and head protection; warm break areas and warm liquids
-
Schedule outdoor work for the warmest part of the day; use a buddy system in extreme cold
-
Train crews on frostbite and hypothermia signs; treat suspected hypothermia as an emergency
-
Guard against slips on ice and snow: de-ice walkways and working surfaces before work