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Heat Hits Construction Workers Hard in Recent Report

Construction workers represent only 7% of the U.S. workforce but suffered over one-third of all heat-related workplace deaths in 2022 and 2023, according to new research from CPWR, as reported by Electrical Contractor Magazine.

 Those deaths stem from high temperature exposure, physical exertion, and environmental conditions like humidity and sun exposure. The study shows construction also leads in nonfatal heat-related injuries that force time off work.

Common causes include heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke. Despite recent safety efforts, experts say many cases go unreported, masking the problem’s size.

With global temperatures rising, preventing heat injuries demands stronger safety protocols, better training, and proactive heat illness response plans. Employers who act now protect their crews and boost productivity.

Source: EC Mag

Heat Injuries and Illnesses Hit Construction Industry Hardest

Construction workers account for 7% of the U.S. workforce, but represent more than one-third of all occupational heat-related deaths in 2022 and 2023, according to an August 2025 research from CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, CPWR’s Fatality Map, the BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses and OSHA’s Severe Injury database.

Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths worldwide. It can also increase the risk of injuries when working at heights and can trigger existing health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or cardiovascular disease. According to new research, chronic underhydration can contribute to the development of chronic diseases and even premature mortality.

Each of the past 10 years has been the warmest ever recorded, making heat-related illness and injury (HRI) prevention more important than ever. In 2022, 17 of the 43 (39%) recorded heat-related workplace deaths were in construction. In 2023, it was 18 out of 55 (32%). It’s suspected that the effect of heat on workers could be even greater due to underreporting and undercounting of HRIs.

Construction jobs frequently demand prolonged exposure in hot and humid environments. Compounding factors of heat sources such as high temperature, humidity, sun exposure and indoor heat sources, along with personal protective equipment, lead to increased risk of HRIs.

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