It has been long accepted that high temperatures, whether 'seasonal' or part of the 'normal work environment', can be a hazard - working in heat can lead to workers suffering serious illness and can also lead to increased accidents.
New research out of South Korea confirms that hot weather may contribute not only to heat illnesses but also to serious construction injuries and deaths.
The study analysed 42,220 construction fall accidents in South Korea that were reported between 2015 and 2019 and cross-referenced those incidents against the maximum daytime temperature on the days of the incidents. Analysis of the results identified a clear relationship between higher temperatures and increased fall incidents. Researchers identified a key threshold at approximately 29°C daily maximum temperature where fall rates plateaued but warn that the plateau in injury incidents above 29°C shouldn't be interpreted as the risks having reduced above that point.
"Accidents per day remained substantial at temperatures above 30 degrees, indicating that work suspension or heat-related safety measures during the study period were insufficient to markedly suppress accident occurrence under high-temperature conditions," they say.
Researchers also noted that 29°C corresponds to an apparent temperature of roughly 32–33°C, with actual heat stress on construction sites likely even higher due to direct sun exposure, radiant heat from concrete and steel, and physically demanding work.
These results suggest that employers should introduce heat controls before official heatwave thresholds are reached, employing recommended measures including scheduled hydration and rest breaks, shaded recovery areas, flexible scheduling, and increased supervision for high-risk work.
Higher rates of falls at high temperatures were indicated in workers above 50 years old, reflecting increased vulnerability due to reduced thermoregulation and higher rates of chronic health conditions. Employees of smaller employers were also identified as at higher risk during heat events, likely due to a lack of resources and systems required for effective heat management.
This suggests that employers should consider early action in potential heatwave conditions including mandatory rest breaks and hydration protocols, enhanced fall-prevention supervision for older workers, and targeted safety support for small to medium workplaces.
As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and construction workers are exposed to higher temperatures more often, managing heat exposure is increasingly becoming an integrated aspect of fall prevention planning and overall construction safety.