Don't Wait for Summer to Plan Heat Illness Prevention, ISHN Warns
According to ISHN, a recent early-season heat wave in Southern California pushed temperatures into triple digits weeks ahead of typical summer conditions, catching crews that were not yet acclimatized and exposing workers to full workloads in extreme heat. The publication argues that effective heat illness prevention must begin days before temperatures peak, preparing the worker, not just the worksite.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Acclimatization is the most overlooked control: ISHN notes that most heat-related fatalities occur within the first few days of exposure, putting new hires, workers returning from time off, and those reassigned to hotter environments at the highest risk.
- Water, shade, and rest are reactive, not preventive. Pre-season planning should include assessing workforce readiness and hydration status before conditions intensify.
- OSHA’s General Duty Clause places responsibility on employers to address recognized hazards like heat, meaning subcontractors who lack a documented pre-season heat plan carry real compliance and liability exposure.
