Protecting Construction Workers from Heat Hazards

Although construction workers make up only 7% of the U.S. workforce, in recent years they have suffered more than one-third of occupational heat-related deaths. As summer fully arrives, CPWR’s resources and research become even more important for protecting workers from heat illness and injuries. Our Heat Hazards webpage offers a wide range of resources to improve safety and health, including planning tools; guidance on topics such as acclimatization and training; jobsite materials, such as infographics and Toolbox Talks; and effective jobsite practices, from water, rest and shade to PPE and cooling systems.

CPWR also continues to monitor the effects of heat on construction workers and conduct research with the industry on evidence-based ways to protect workers. A Data Bulletin published last summer focused on both fatal and nonfatal injuries related to heat, while the Heat Illnesses and Injuries Data Dashboard offers an interactive opportunity to examine current data. Our research team examining heat-related health risks and solutions has been visiting construction sites to learn from contractors what’s effective so we can protect more workers by sharing that knowledge. If you would like to join the group of contractors hosting visits, contact Project Director Gavin West. Our research is also looking at how to fully capture the hazards created by heat: for example, analyzing death records to examine how heat exposure contributes to deaths caused by cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and fatal injuries, including falls. Learn more about these issues by joining this month’s webinar, Beyond Water, Rest, and Shade -- see the full description below. 

Thursday, July 30 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Heat: Beyond Water, Rest, and Shade

Preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke is critical -- especially during these warmer months -- but did you know exposure to high temperatures can make workers more susceptible to other injuries and illnesses? Join this webinar to learn more about additional, important ways heat creates greater risks. It will examine its effects on workers’ bodies (particularly kidney function), their ability to recognize and react to hazards, and their mental health, including stress and potential financial strain from reduced hours, project delays, or medical expenses. In addition to the impacts on workers, lower productivity, project delays, and other hidden heat-related costs can create financial hardship for construction businesses. This webinar will not only cover the pervasive effects of heat exposure but also review solutions and resources that go beyond “Water, Rest, and Shade.”

Live Spanish interpretation will be available on a second audio channel.

Click here to register and submit questions in advance. This webinar will be recorded.

Wednesday, July 22 at 2:00 p.m. ET (1 hour)

What is the Big Deal about Asbestos?

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its Former Worker Programs are partnering to host a public webinar that will share information about asbestos. The Former Worker Programs include the CPWR-managed Building Trades National Medical Screening Program (BTMed), which provides free medical screening services to construction workers formerly employed at DOE nuclear weapons sites, who may be at risk for occupational illnesses.

Dr. Arthur Frank, MD, PhD, will discuss the spectrum of asbestos diseases, occupational risks involving asbestos, and the different types of exposures to it. Dr. Frank will also provide information on the prevention of asbestos related diseases, including the role played by screening programs like BTMed.

Register or submit a question in advance. This webinar will be recorded.  

John Epperly: Mental health is as important as job site safety (Opinion), Charleston (WV) Gazette-Mail, 6/20/26

Roofing safety expert: Reinforcement of training is ‘the key to success,' Safety+Health Magazine, 6/16/26

Who Gets Hurt, and How: A Closer Look at Construction Injury Trends, Construction Owners, 6/29/26

Deadline Extended for $2 Million Safety Challenge

Our partners at McElhattan Foundation have extended the registration deadline for the Zero Electrocution Challenge, which invites ground-breaking proposals to end fatal workplace electrocutions. 

The Zero Electrocution Challenge is the inaugural challenge of ZERO 2050, a recurring national competition to end workplace fatalities. Managed by McElhattan Foundation, the Zero Electrocution Challenge is seeking breakthrough solutions that eliminate life-threatening tasks that lead to fatal electrocution on the job. Strong proposals for the challenge should be effective, game-changing, feasible, and scalable. Two winners will each receive up to $1 million.

To learn more and register, visit the Zero Electrocution Challenge website and review the readiness tool to determine eligibility. To participate, register no later than September 1 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Email [email protected] with any questions.