Keep Cool in Construction with
Water, Rest, and Shade.
The Austin AGC is proud to work closely with local member companies and the construction community at large to keep workers safe, whether from heat stress or other jobsite hazards.
Recently there have been many news and social media stories suggesting rest breaks and water for construction workers in Texas will be eliminated effective September 1, 2023, pursuant to a new State of Texas law. As the leading commercial construction association in Central Texas, the Austin AGC believes it is important to share an industry perspective on this issue.
Please be assured that this new law DOES NOT ban rest breaks or water for construction workers! Water, rest, and shade should and do remain key safety measures on all construction jobsites in Texas. Construction companies will still devise work and break schedules that best fit the workforce, especially under this extreme summer heat. The Austin AGC employes a full-time safety director who works with local construction companies to develop and implement best practices to prevent heat stress on the jobsite during hot Austin days.
Construction firms place a high value on the health and safety of their workforce. It is the right thing to do, and it is the smart business thing to do. For a long time Federal safety regulations have advised water, rest, and shade for workers. Many Texas firms go above and beyond to protect workers from the heat. This includes providing cooling tents and trailers for workers to use during hot days, providing electrolyte popsicles as well as other fluids beyond water and shifting work schedules during hot days to avoid working when temperatures reach extreme levels.
The bottom line is the Texas construction industry keeps workers cool when things heat up outside. We always have, and we always will. If your company needs specific help with construction safety, contact the Austin AGC for assistance! Additional heat stress prevention information for construction companies is available here:
https://www.osha.gov/otm/section-3-health-hazards/chapter-4 - OSHA Technical Manual
https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/osha_heattraining_guide_0411.pdf - Heat-related illness prevention guide.
https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/resources - OSHA Heat Related Illness Resource page
https://www.osha.gov/heat
Recently there have been many news and social media stories suggesting rest breaks and water for construction workers in Texas will be eliminated effective September 1, 2023, pursuant to a new State of Texas law. As the leading commercial construction association in Central Texas, the Austin AGC believes it is important to share an industry perspective on this issue.
Please be assured that this new law DOES NOT ban rest breaks or water for construction workers! Water, rest, and shade should and do remain key safety measures on all construction jobsites in Texas. Construction companies will still devise work and break schedules that best fit the workforce, especially under this extreme summer heat. The Austin AGC employes a full-time safety director who works with local construction companies to develop and implement best practices to prevent heat stress on the jobsite during hot Austin days.
Construction firms place a high value on the health and safety of their workforce. It is the right thing to do, and it is the smart business thing to do. For a long time Federal safety regulations have advised water, rest, and shade for workers. Many Texas firms go above and beyond to protect workers from the heat. This includes providing cooling tents and trailers for workers to use during hot days, providing electrolyte popsicles as well as other fluids beyond water and shifting work schedules during hot days to avoid working when temperatures reach extreme levels.
The bottom line is the Texas construction industry keeps workers cool when things heat up outside. We always have, and we always will. If your company needs specific help with construction safety, contact the Austin AGC for assistance! Additional heat stress prevention information for construction companies is available here:
https://www.osha.gov/otm/section-3-health-hazards/chapter-4 - OSHA Technical Manual
https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/osha_heattraining_guide_0411.pdf - Heat-related illness prevention guide.
https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/resources - OSHA Heat Related Illness Resource page
https://www.osha.gov/heat
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