​ Working in Arizona's construction industry during the scorching summer months presents significant challenges due to extreme heat. Proper preparation is essential to ensure safety and maintain productivity. This comprehensive guide provides strategies to effectively manage the heat, recognize and prevent heat-related illnesses, and understand the optimal times for outdoor work.​

Understanding Arizona's Heat

Arizona is renowned for its intense heat, particularly from May to September. During these months, temperatures frequently soar above 100°F (37.8°C), posing serious health risks to outdoor workers. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), more than 4,320 people died from exposure to excessive heat in Arizona from 2012 to 2023. ​

Optimal Work Hours

To mitigate heat exposure, many construction companies adjust their work schedules during the summer: ​

• Early Start Times: Shifts often begin as early as 4 or 5 a.m., allowing workers to complete a significant portion of their tasks before the day's peak heat. ​

• Night Shifts: Certain tasks, such as concrete pours, are scheduled during nighttime hours to take advantage of cooler temperatures. ​

By adjusting work hours, exposure to the most intense heat, typically between 3 and 5 p.m., is minimized. ​

Recognizing Heat-Related Illnesses

Awareness of heat-related illnesses and their symptoms is crucial for early intervention: ​

• Dehydration:

  • Symptoms: Dry skin and mouth, extreme thirst, infrequent urination with dark-colored urine, muscle cramps. ​

  • Action: Cease work, hydrate with water, and move to a shaded area. ​

• Heat Exhaustion:

  • Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, cool and moist skin. ​

  • Action: Stop work, move to a cooler environment, drink water, and apply cool compresses. ​

• Heat Stroke:

  • Symptoms: High body temperature (above 103°F), confusion, rapid pulse, red, hot, and dry skin, possible unconsciousness. ​

  • Action: Call 911 immediately, move the person to a cooler place, and cool them rapidly using available methods. ​

Preventative Measures

Implementing the following strategies can help prevent heat-related illnesses:

• Hydration: Drink water regularly throughout the day, even when not thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine. ​

• Rest Breaks: Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to allow the body to cool down. ​

• Protective Clothing: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants, along with wide-brimmed hats to shield from direct sun exposure. ​

• Acclimatization: Gradually increase exposure to high temperatures over 7-14 days to allow the body to adapt. ​

• Cooling Stations: Utilize cooling tents or air-conditioned rest areas on-site to provide relief from the heat.  

Heat-Related Statistics in Construction

The construction industry is particularly vulnerable to heat-related incidents: ​

• National Data: Between 1992 and 2006, 423 workers died from heat illness in the U.S., with construction workers being among the most affected. ​

• Arizona Specifics: In 2023, Maricopa County reported 645 heat-related deaths, highlighting the severity of the issue in the region. ​

These statistics underscore the critical need for stringent heat safety protocols within the construction sector. ​

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

While Arizona lacks a statewide heat illness prevention standard, certain local ordinances have been enacted: ​

• Phoenix Ordinance: Requires city contractors to implement heat safety plans, including provisions for water, rest, and shade. ​

Employers are obligated under OSHA's General Duty Clause to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards, which includes extreme heat. ​

Preparing for Arizona's extreme heat is essential for construction workers to ensure safety and maintain productivity. By adjusting work schedules, recognizing symptoms of heat-related illnesses, implementing preventative measures, and adhering to legal requirements, the risks associated with high temperatures can be significantly reduced. Prioritizing heat safety not only protects workers but also enhances overall work efficiency during the challenging summer months.