Turner Construction: Heat Studies in Construction

Turner Construction Company is studying the effects of heat on construction workers to measure and ensure health, safety, and productivity in the construction industry in the face of extreme heat.

At a Glance

Company Name: Turner Construction Company

Industry: Construction

Project Location: Midwest, USA

Project Partners: La Isla Network, University of Mexico, Indiana University, Chubb, Liberty Mutual Insurance, McGriff, Flatiron Construction

Principles in Action: ✔ Safeguarding & Enhancing ✔ Inclusive & Equitable

Project Overview

Extreme heat can impact the construction workforce health and wellbeing. It is paramount to effectively prevent and mitigate the effects from heat. Without proper intervention, heat could harm the construction industry and, most importantly, the health of the construction workers, which are the essence of the industry.

Turner is studying the effects of heat on construction workers to measure the effectiveness of its heat mitigation measures. In 2023, Turner participated in a heat pilot study that showed that 43 percent of the participants experienced elevated body temperature and that workers arrived to the job dehydrated. The takeaways from this study included reinforcing efforts that encourage hydration, taking regular breaks, and communicating with employees.Vitals of 200 workers and ambient conditions were collected throughout the length of the study. Researchers from the University of New Mexico and Indiana University are analyzing the data and recommendations, and the results will be available in Q1 2025.

Although representative of all Principles for Corporate Climate Resilience Leadership, the rigor of the study demonstrates the “Safeguarding and Enhancing” principle. Additionally, the focus on worker health and well-being represents the “Inclusive and Equitable” principle.

Implementation

Project Team: Climate Resilience, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), Risk Management

The construction industry faces several resilience challenges. Extreme heat is not confined to summers but extends to other seasons and regions that have not historically experienced it. While it is well known that hydration, shade, breaks, and sanitation are foundational, the company is digging deeper. The unprecedented heat studies aim to enhance Turner’s current heat mitigation strategies and inform the broader industry as the company shares its findings in early 2025.

To measure the effectiveness of its heat mitigation measures, Turner participated in a 2023 heat pilot study showing that 43% of participants experienced elevated body temperature and that workers arrived to the job dehydrated.

Photos courtesy of Turner Construction Company

The vitals of 200 workers and ambient conditions were collected as part of a larger study funded by Chubb in 2024, Flatiron Construction, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, McGriff, and The Turner Construction Company Foundation,

Photos courtesy of Turner Construction Company

Impact

The success of this project is measured by tracking key physiological and environmental data. These metrics are collected throughout the studies allowing for detailed analysis of how heat impacts workers. Insights from the research confirmed the importance of hydration and overall heat awareness and education. The larger study conducted in the summer of 2024 is currently being analyzed, and the findings will provide further guidance on optimizing these interventions. The ongoing studies provide valuable insights that will shape future heat mitigation strategies at Turner and, hopefully, throughout the industry.

Additional Resources