BEST PRACTICES USED BY CONTRACTORS TO REDUCE HEAT-RELATED INJURIES ON CONSTRUCTION SITES

Abstract

Exposure to extreme heat and its negative effects on construction workers are perennial problems that require utmost attention. In Nevada, construction workers experience heat-related injuries (HRIs) and fatalities as a result of high temperatures. Despite evidence of heat-related fatalities and legislation recommending adoption of best practices to reduce occurrence of injuries on construction sites, it is not clear whether contractors are using any form of best practices to reduce the number of heat-related injuries that affect their workers. Consequently, a questionnaire was developed to determine whether contractors working in Nevada adopt and implement prescribed best practices and any other best practices developed by their respective organizations to curb the menace of HRIs occurring on construction sites. The survey was sent to 120 contractors, out of which 46 responded to the survey. The results showed that the best practices used by most of the contractors are: providing water regularly to the workers, providing a shed/place to rest for workers; and scheduling work shifts properly so that their workers can avoid unnecessary exposure to heat. Recommendations on best practices to reduce heat-related injuries and fatalities provided by the respondents are; preparing and implementing a comprehensive job-site safety plan, mandating contractors to work during periods of low temperature and creating public awareness about HRIs.