Research Project Promotes Deeper Understanding of Impact of Heat Stress Mitigation Measures in Construction

August 8, 2024

Flatiron Construction, Turner Construction Company, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Chubb, and The Turner Construction Company Foundation are joining forces to conduct a research project in partnership with La Isla Network to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of heat on the health of construction workers. The study reflects a collective commitment to the health and safety of people facing high heat work environments.      

Hydration, rest, and shade are key to health and well-being in the face of high heat. As part of an active caring culture, Flatiron and Turner take steps to promote hydration and other heat mitigation measures like fans, cooling stations, shaded break areas, ready access to water stations, providing electrolytes, information about that day’s weather, along with education and awareness of the workforce on heat stress prevention and the signs of heat stress.  

Turner’s Resilience Program Manager Mónika Serrano said, “This past year we conducted a pilot study that confirmed that heat affects workers’ core temperature. The study confirmed the importance of hydrating upon awakening in the morning and continuing throughout the day regardless of work activity or the temperature. As temperature and physical labor increases, water intake should increase commensurately, in combination with shade and rest.”   

Continued research on this topic will inform decisions to promote the health and well-being of the construction workforce. This month, 200 construction workers on a large industrial construction project in the Midwest will take part in a study to measure the impact of heat. Workers on the project have easy access to shaded cooling stations. Morning huddles and signage encourage workers to hydrate before, during and after the workday. 

During the study, the core temperature, heart rate and other vital signs will be monitored as workers carry out regular daily tasks. The data will help inform the effects of heat mitigation strategies in place and guide the potential development of further measures to promote health and well-being.  

Sven Stranzenbach, Flatiron’s Senior Vice President of Risk Management & Sustainability said, “We are honored to participate in this study because we believe it will improve the lives of our employees and the communities where we live and work.”    

Lyndsey Christofer, Executive Vice President of the Construction Industry Practice at Chubb said, “Protecting the men and women on the jobsites is a top priority at Chubb.  We’re thrilled to support this study, which can provide insights and data that can be applied to improve processes and protocols on construction sites to actively keep people healthy and safe.”  

“We are proud to contribute to developing research-informed, evidence-based, practical solutions that effectively reduce the risk of heat stress on worker health,” said Liberty Mutual Insurance Company Senior Vice President and General Manager of Risk Control Services, Global Risk Solutions, Dorothy Doyle. “We’re committed to understanding and improving workplace and public safety to meet our customers’ needs today and in the future.”   

“We seek to create a safe and healthy work environment and take intentional actions to promote the well-being of every person who steps onto a Turner jobsite,” said Steve Spaulding, Vice President and Chief Environmental Health & Safety Officer, Turner Construction Company.   

Jason Glaser, CEO of La Isla Network said, “This study will inform recommendations for continuously improving protocols that promote worker safety and well-being. By working with our incredible partners at Indiana University and University of New Mexico we are assuring the highest level of rigor and insight to this important research.” Glaser continued, “This study is also part of a global response, considering that in its latest report on safety and health at work and climate change published by the International Labor Organization has recommended that the private sector, governments and other stakeholders implement protection and risk management measures in times of climate emergency.” 

About Flatiron 

Flatiron is the trusted partner to deliver innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges across the U.S. and Canada. Flatiron collaborates with public and private clients to deliver essential infrastructure — including highways and bridges, aviation, rail and transit systems, resiliency protection, dams and reservoirs, water and wastewater treatment facilities, broadband infrastructure and underground projects. For more on how Flatiron is transforming infrastructure, visit www.flatironcorp.com. Flatiron is a subsidiary of HOCHTIEF, an engineering-led global infrastructure group. 

About Turner Construction Company  

Our vision is to be the highest value provider of construction services. We deliver our services on complex and challenging building projects of all types and sizes throughout North America and in 30 countries around the world. We seek to create a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future for our people, clients, partners, and the planet. We have earned a reputation for integrity, working safely, and driving innovation. With a focus on creating an environment where people can be at their best, be authentic, and be treated with respect and dignity, the company is widely recognized as a great place to work. The firm is a subsidiary of HOCHTIEF, an engineering-led global infrastructure solutions provider with leading positions in North America, Australia and Europe and a rapidly expanding presence in high-tech, energy transition and sustainable infrastructure markets. To learn more about Turner visit www.turnerconstruction.com. 

About Turner Construction Company Foundation 

Established in 1983, the Turner Construction Company Foundation is a private non-profit organization. The foundation aims to construct and inspire change where we build. Through our local offices, the Foundation supports charitable organizations that promote active caring, wellness, workforce readiness, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Aligned with Turner Construction Company’s Core Purpose, the Foundation’s purpose is to support charitable organizations that positively impact people and the communities in which we build and sustain the future of the construction workforce. To learn more, visit https://www.turnerconstruction.com/pages/turner-construction-company-foundation  

About Chubb 

Chubb is a world leader in insurance. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 40,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com. 

About Liberty Mutual Insurance Company 

At Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, we believe progress happens when people feel secure. By providing protection for the unexpected and delivering it with care, we help people embrace today and confidently pursue tomorrow.  

In business since 1912, and headquartered in Boston, today we are the eighth largest global property and casualty insurer based on 2023 gross written premium. We also rank 87 on the Fortune 100 list of largest corporations in the US based on 2023 revenue. As of December 31, 2023, we had $49.4 billion in annual consolidated revenue.  

We employ over 45,000 people in 29 countries and economies around the world. We offer a wide range of insurance products and services, including personal automobile, homeowners, specialty lines, reinsurance, commercial multiple-peril, workers compensation, commercial automobile, general liability, surety, and commercial property. For more information, visit www.libertymutualinsurance.com.  

About La Isla Network 

La Isla Network is an occupational health research and advisory nonprofit dedicated to ending heat-related illnesses among workers and their communities worldwide. Our mission is to protect workers in a changing climate. We develop and implement data-driven worker protection and management assessment protocols to improve the resiliency of workforces and businesses to heat stress. Our work is backed by best-in-class researchers, industry leaders, and government and multilateral institutions like the ILO. For more information including press engagements please contact info@laislanetwork.org.