Heat Illness Prevention Audit - Construction

Inspection template for evaluating heat illness prevention controls on construction sites, including water, shade, rest breaks, acclimatization, training, and high-heat procedures.

Site Heat Plan and Monitoring

• Written heat illness prevention plan is available on site and current
  Plan is site-specific, accessible to supervisors, and reflects current work activities and weather conditions.
• Supervisor or competent person assigned to monitor heat conditions
  A designated competent person is responsible for monitoring temperature, humidity, workload, and worker condition.
• Heat index or WBGT is monitored at least daily and when conditions change
  Documented monitoring is performed before and during the shift when heat risk increases.
• High-heat trigger criteria are defined and communicated
  Escalation thresholds for additional controls are defined for elevated heat conditions.

Water and Hydration

• Potable drinking water is available at the work area
  Water is present at or near the work location and is not restricted by access barriers or long travel distance.
• Water containers are clean, labeled, and maintained
  Dispensers, coolers, or bottles are sanitary, covered, and in good condition.
• Workers can access water without delay during the shift
  Water is positioned so workers do not need to wait for permission or travel excessive distance to hydrate.
• Drinking water is replenished before it runs out
  Supply is sufficient for the number of workers and expected heat exposure duration.

Shade, Rest Breaks, and Work Practices

• Shade is available when workers need recovery from heat exposure
  Shade is large enough to accommodate the expected number of workers and is located close enough for practical use.
• Shade area is unobstructed, ventilated, and usable
  Shade is not blocked by materials, equipment, or unsafe conditions and provides meaningful relief from direct sun.
• Rest breaks are provided and taken as required by conditions
  Break frequency and duration increase when heat, workload, or PPE burden increases.
• Work pace and task rotation reduce heat exposure where feasible
  High-exertion tasks are adjusted, rotated, or scheduled to reduce continuous heat load.

Acclimatization and Worker Readiness

• New or returning workers are identified for acclimatization
  Workers new to the site, new to hot work, or returning after an absence are tracked for increased monitoring.
• Acclimatization is phased over the first several hot days
  Workload is increased gradually for workers who are not yet acclimatized.
• Workers with symptoms are removed from heat exposure promptly
  Headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, cramps, or fainting triggers immediate intervention and evaluation.
• Buddy system or active observation is used during hot work
  Workers are observed for signs of heat stress and are not left unmonitored during high-risk tasks.

Training, Emergency Response, and High-Heat Procedures

• Workers have been trained on heat illness signs, symptoms, and prevention
  Training covers hydration, rest, shade, acclimatization, and early symptom reporting.
• Supervisors know escalation steps for suspected heat illness
  Emergency response includes calling for medical assistance, moving the worker to shade, and cooling measures.
• High-heat procedures are documented and implemented when trigger criteria are met
  Additional controls such as increased breaks, closer observation, and modified work are activated during high-risk conditions.
• Emergency contact and site address information are readily available
  Crew can quickly provide the exact location and contact information to emergency responders.