I strongly support Virginia DOLI’s proposed heat illness prevention standard.

As a Safety Coordinator in the construction industry, I have witnessed firsthand how quickly extreme heat can become a serious threat to workers. On one occasion, I watched two workers become overcome by heat exhaustion and reach a point where they were on the verge of heat stroke. What was especially concerning to me was that, at the time, I did not recognize what was happening quickly enough.

That experience reinforced for me that heat illness is not something we can simply expect workers and supervisors to recognize on their own. The signs can be overlooked, and by the time it becomes obvious that someone is in serious trouble, the situation can already be life-threatening.

That is why I believe Virginia needs a strong and consistent heat illness prevention standard. Employers should be required to provide annual heat illness awareness and prevention training so that workers, supervisors, and safety personnel understand the risks, recognize the warning signs, and know what actions to take when someone begins showing symptoms.

I also support workplace heat monitoring programs when employees are working in high-temperature conditions. These programs should include adequate access to drinking water, appropriate work and rest schedules, and regular breaks in shaded or cooled areas where workers can recover from the heat. Employers should also have clear procedures for responding to suspected heat illness and getting medical assistance when necessary.

In construction, workers are often exposed to heat for long periods while performing physically demanding work. We should not wait until someone collapses before taking action. Prevention needs to be built into the way we plan and manage work in extreme heat.

My own experience has shown me that even people who are responsible for workplace safety can fail to recognize the seriousness of heat illness in the moment. That is why education, monitoring, and clear preventive requirements are so important.

I respectfully urge Virginia DOLI to implement a strong heat illness prevention standard that provides meaningful protections for workers across Virginia. Proper training, monitoring, hydration, rest, shade, and cooling are practical measures that can help prevent serious injuries and save lives.

Every worker deserves to go home safely at the end of the workday.