Prioritizing People: Preventing Heat Illness on Project Sites

At ENTACT, safety isn’t just a requirement, it’s a core value embedded in everything we do. As temperatures rise across the country during the summer months, our field teams face the growing challenge of working safely in hot and humid environments. To meet that challenge, ENTACT implements a robust Heat Stress and Illness Prevention Program designed to protect our teams from heat-related injuries while keeping operations efficient and productive.

Understanding the Risks of Heat Stress

Heat stress includes a range of conditions like heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke that can develop rapidly in high-temperature work environments and be potentially fatal. These conditions are most likely to affect workers wearing impermeable personal protective equipment (PPE), performing physically demanding tasks, or acclimating to new climates. But even seasoned workers are at risk without proactive measures.

ENTACT trains all team members to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress and to take action quickly should they see a fellow Associate is distress. From muscle cramps and nausea to dizziness and confusion, early detection is key to preventing escalation into serious medical emergencies.

Layered Prevention Strategies

ENTACT’s approach to heat illness prevention combines planning, education, and real-time field protocols. Key program elements include:

• Job Hazard Analysis and Planning: Every project begins with a thorough evaluation of weather conditions, work intensity, and PPE requirements to identify and mitigate heat risks.
• Acclimatization: New and returning workers are gradually introduced to hot environments over five to seven days to allow their bodies to adjust, reducing the likelihood of heat-related illness.
• Hydration Protocols: Associates are encouraged to drink small amounts of water frequently and avoid diuretics like energy drinks or excessive caffeine. Individual containers help track intake and prevent dehydration.
• Rest and Recovery: Work/rest cycles are tailored to temperature, humidity, and PPE requirements, ensuring Associates have shaded, cool recovery areas and time to lower their heart rate and body temperature.
• Buddy System: Associates monitor one another for signs of distress. If someone begins to exhibit symptoms, they are never left alone and first aid is administered immediately.
• Monitoring and Adjustments: Site supervisors use heat index calculators and weather monitoring tools to make real-time decisions about modifying workloads, adjusting schedules, or implementing additional precautions.

When Every Minute Counts: Emergency Response

In the event of a heat illness, response time is critical. ENTACT’s crews are trained to apply first aid immediately to cool victims, providing fluids (when safe to do so), and calling for emergency medical support when needed. No one returns to the field after a heat illness without clearance from project safety leadership.

Why It Matters

Preventing heat illness isn’t just about compliance, it’s about protecting the health, well-being, and morale of our Associates. Our projects span challenging environments, but ENTACT ensures that safety remains the foundation of every task.

By maintaining a culture of awareness, proactive planning, and care for one another, ENTACT demonstrates that environmental remediation and geotechnical construction can be done safely throughout the year.