Study on heat stress in construction resumes at Midwest project

New York — Research intended to gain a better understanding of the effects of heat on construction worker health is continuing, project organizers recently announced.

Turner Construction Co., Flatiron Construction, Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. and the Turner Construction Co. Foundation are partnering again with La Isla Network on the project. Indiana University and the University of New Mexico are also participating in the study. 

“This past year we conducted a pilot study that confirmed that heat affects workers’ core temperature,” Mónika Serrano, resilience program manager at Turner Construction, said in a company press release. “The study confirmed the importance of hydrating upon awakening in the morning and continuing throughout the day, regardless of work activity or the temperature. As temperature and physical labor increases, water intake should increase commensurately, in combination with shade and rest.”

The next phase of the study, set to begin this month, will involve 200 workers at a large industrial construction project in the Midwest.

“Workers on the project have easy access to shaded cooling stations,” the release states. “Morning huddles and signage encourage workers to hydrate before, during and after the workday. During the study, the core temperature, heart rate and other vital signs will be monitored as workers carry out regular daily tasks.”

The data collected, the release adds, will help “inform the effects of heat mitigation strategies in place and guide the potential development of further measures to promote health and well-being.”