Heat Illness Prevention for General Contractors

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: [DATE]

Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary precautions and procedures to prevent heat illness among general contractors working in Georgia during the summer months. It applies to all employees, contractors, and subcontractors involved in construction activities. This SWP aims to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses by providing guidelines on hydration, acclimatization, monitoring, and emergency response. This procedure does not cover work in indoor, climate-controlled environments.

2. Definitions

Acclimatization The process of gradually adapting to working in a hot environment over a period of days or weeks. Heat Illness Illnesses that occur when the body cannot cool itself enough, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rash. Health hazard means a chemical or a pathogen where acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees. It also includes stress due to temperature extremes. Heat Stroke A severe form of heat illness that occurs when the body's temperature rises rapidly, and the sweating mechanism fails. IDLH or Immediately dangerous to life or health means an atmospheric concentration of any toxic, corrosive or asphyxiant substance that poses an immediate threat to life or would cause irreversible or delayed adverse health effects or would interfere with an individual's ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that workers have access to sufficient amounts of cool water.
Provide shaded or air-conditioned break areas for workers to cool down.
Monitor weather conditions and adjust work schedules accordingly.
Train workers on the signs and symptoms of heat illness and how to prevent it.
Implement a buddy system to monitor workers for signs of heat illness.
Respond immediately to reports of heat illness and provide first aid.
Ensure proper acclimatization of workers to the heat.

3.2 Workers

Monitor yourself and coworkers for signs and symptoms of heat illness.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to cool down.
Report any signs or symptoms of heat illness to your supervisor immediately.
Use provided PPE appropriately, such as cooling vests or hats.
Participate in training programs on heat illness prevention.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
High ambient temperatures	Heat stress, heat exhaustion, heat stroke	Provide adequate hydration with cool water and electrolyte drinks. Encourage frequent breaks in shaded areas. Implement a buddy system for monitoring workers.
Lack of acclimatization	Increased susceptibility to heat illness	Gradually increase workload and exposure to heat over 7-14 days. Monitor workers closely during the acclimatization period.
Strenuous physical activity	Increased body temperature and dehydration	Schedule work during cooler times of the day (early morning, late afternoon). Reduce physical demands during peak heat hours.
Wearing heavy or non-breathable clothing	Reduced sweat evaporation and increased body temperature	Provide and encourage the use of cooling vests, hats, and other PPE. Ensure proper fit and maintenance of PPE.
Failure to recognize early symptoms	Delayed treatment and progression to severe heat illness	Train workers to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness in themselves and others. Implement a communication system for reporting concerns.
Inadequate emergency response	Serious complications or death from heat stroke	Ensure access to first aid and medical care. Establish emergency response procedures and communication protocols.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All workers must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk of heat exposure. PPE should be properly fitted, maintained, and used according to manufacturer's instructions.

Light-Colored, Loose-Fitting Clothing: Light-colored to reflect sunlight and loose-fitting to allow for ventilation.
Wide-Brimmed Hats: Wide-brimmed to provide shade and protect from direct sunlight.
Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher): To protect skin from sunburn. Apply liberally and reapply as needed.
Cooling Vests: Evaporative cooling vests can help regulate body temperature. Follow manufacturer's instructions for use and maintenance.

Inspect PPE for damage before each use. Clean and store PPE properly to maintain its effectiveness. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools must be in good working condition and inspected before use to ensure safe operation in high-temperature conditions.

Weather Monitoring Device: Use to monitor temperature, humidity, and heat index. Ensure the device is calibrated and functioning correctly.
Fans and Shade Structures: Provide shade and ventilation in break areas. Ensure fans are properly grounded and maintained.
Water Coolers: Use to transport water and keep it cool. Ensure coolers are clean and well-insulated.

Ensure proper functioning and regular calibration of weather monitoring devices. Inspect cooling devices (fans, cooling vests) for damage and ensure they are clean and in good working order.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All employees must receive training on heat illness prevention, including recognizing symptoms, providing first aid, and understanding the importance of hydration and acclimatization. Supervisors should receive additional training on monitoring workers and implementing control measures.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: Conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss the day's weather conditions, potential heat hazards, and control measures. Review emergency procedures and ensure all workers understand their roles.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Ensure that the work area has adequate shade, access to cool water, and a designated break area. Check that all cooling equipment is functioning properly.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Monitor Weather Conditions: Monitor weather conditions using a reliable weather app or service. Pay attention to temperature, humidity, and heat index. The comprehensive workplan part of the program shall address the tasks and objectives of the site operations and the logistics and resources required to reach those tasks and objectives.
Adjust Work Schedules: Adjust work schedules to minimize exposure during the hottest parts of the day. Schedule strenuous tasks for cooler times, such as early morning or late afternoon.
Provide Shaded Break Areas: Provide shaded break areas where workers can cool down. These areas should be easily accessible and equipped with seating.
Ensure Adequate Hydration: Ensure that workers have access to cool drinking water at all times. Provide water coolers or encourage workers to bring their own water bottles. Employers shall develop and implement a written safety and health program for their employees involved in hazardous waste operations. The program shall be designed to identify, evaluate, and control safety and health hazards, and provide for emergency response for hazardous waste operations.
Encourage Frequent Breaks: Encourage workers to take frequent breaks to rehydrate and cool down. Remind them to drink water even if they do not feel thirsty.
Implement a Buddy System: Implement a buddy system where workers monitor each other for signs and symptoms of heat illness. If a worker notices a problem, they should report it immediately to the supervisor.
Train Workers on Heat Illness: Train workers on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, and confusion. Emphasize the importance of reporting symptoms early. The training programs for employees subject to the requirements of paragraph (e) of this standard should address: the safety and health hazards employees should expect to find on hazardous waste clean-up sites; what control measures or techniques are effective for those hazards; what monitoring procedures are effective in characterizing exposure levels; what makes an effective employer's safety and health program; what a site safety and health plan should include; hands on training with personal protective equipment and clothing they may be expected to use; the contents of the OSHA standard relevant to the employee's duties and function; and, employee's responsibilities under OSHA and other regulations.
Respond to Heat Illness Symptoms: If a worker shows signs of heat illness, move them to a cool, shaded area and provide water. If symptoms are severe (e.g., confusion, seizures), call 911 immediately.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Drink cool water frequently (at least one cup every 15-20 minutes), especially on hot days, even if you are not thirsty.
Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to allow your body to cool down.
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to promote ventilation and sweat evaporation.
Avoid consuming caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration.
Use sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn, which can impair your body's ability to cool itself.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

If a worker shows signs of heat illness, immediately move them to a cool, shaded area or air-conditioned space. Provide cool water or electrolyte-containing beverages. Loosen or remove heavy clothing. Use cooling methods such as applying cool, wet cloths or ice packs to the head, neck, and armpits. Monitor the worker's condition and vital signs until medical help arrives.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Worker collapses and exhibits signs of heat stroke (e.g., high body temperature, confusion, seizures).: Call 911 immediately. Cool the worker with ice water immersion if possible. Monitor vital signs and be prepared to administer CPR.
Worker complains of dizziness, nausea, or headache (signs of heat exhaustion).: Move the worker to a cool area, provide water or electrolyte beverages, and encourage rest. Monitor symptoms and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve within 30 minutes.
Worker experiences muscle cramps (heat cramps).: Gently stretch and massage the affected muscles. Provide water or electrolyte beverages. Encourage rest in a cool area.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

In case of a heat illness emergency, contact 911 immediately. Provide the location of the affected worker and the nature of the emergency. Also, notify the site supervisor and safety representative.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents of heat illness, no matter how minor, must be reported to the supervisor and safety representative immediately. A written report should be completed within 24 hours, detailing the circumstances, symptoms, and treatment provided.

A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the heat illness incident. This includes reviewing weather conditions, work schedules, hydration practices, and acclimatization procedures. Corrective actions will be implemented to prevent future occurrences.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]