With record-high temperatures impacting millions around the world, a spotlight has been cast on the workplace conditions of construction workers, who currently aren’t protected by any strict standard regarding extreme heat. According to a heat tracker by The New York Times, approximately 27% of the U.S. population live in areas where heat levels could reach dangerous levels this week. This comes following the world’s hottest week on record during the first week of July. According to Gary Orr, a health scientist with OSHA, there is no timeline for the finalization of a heat standard.

As reported by Zachary Phillips of Construction Dive, OSHA conducted 1,827 federal heat inspections between April 2022 and June 20, 2023, with 47% of them being in construction. Many of the inspections were not programmed, with 567 occurring due to complaints and 58 due to fatality or catastrophe. "For construction workers, the sweltering conditions mean an additional jobsite hazard. But there is no enforceable standard for protecting workers during extreme heat that contractors can look to for guidance," reports Phillips. 

With no standard in place, Orr has offered some suggestions on how employers can protect workers. They include: continuously monitoring the heat index, ensuring workers acclimatize, knowing the preexisting health conditions of workers, and enforcing regular hydration breaks.