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Extreme temps not the only factor in construction worker heat illness: study
- Study Findings: A recent study led by a University of New Mexico researcher indicates that even moderate outdoor temperatures can pose a significant risk of heat-related illness for construction workers.
- Increased Risk: Construction workers are reported to be 13 times more likely to experience fatalities related to heat-related illness compared to the general population, according to the study.
- Research Method: The study involved analyzing the body temperatures of 32 construction workers over three days at a jobsite in Kansas City, MO. Participants consumed a monitoring pill to track their body temperatures.
- Key Findings: Despite moderate outdoor temperatures averaging 88°F, 43% of the workers’ body temperatures exceeded the threshold of 100.4°F, considered by NIOSH as elevated risk for heat stress. Additionally, over 60% of the workers arrived at the worksite dehydrated, highlighting the importance of hydration in preventing heat-related illness.
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