Toward an Understanding of Construction Workers’ Decision to Stop Work When Experiencing Symptoms of Heat Strain: A Pilot Investigation

10 pages•Published: July 23, 2025

Kenneth Sands, Eric M. Wetzel and Mark Tatum

Abstract

This pilot study aims to understand the behavioral and cultural factors influencing construction workers’ decisions to continue working despite experiencing symptoms of heat strain. A survey was developed based on a literature review and expert feedback to capture critical themes, such as awareness of heat-related health risks, experiences with heat-related illness, and behaviors when experiencing symptoms of heat strain. Initial analysis of item responses to a question on safety behavior when experiencing heat-related symptoms demonstrated high internal consistency, with Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.90. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two distinct factors, cognitive and physical discomfort, showing progress toward obtaining construct validity. Preliminary data from the pilot revealed that while most respondents are aware of the risks of working in extreme heat, many still experience symptoms, with some choosing to continue working despite discomfort. Insight was also provided into why respondents choose not to stop working when experiencing symptoms of heat strain. This pilot investigation provides an initial understanding of the decision-making factors influencing workers’ reluctance to stop working when experiencing heat strain and progress toward developing an instrument to understand this phenomenon more.

Keyphrases: construction, heat safety, pilot study, stop work

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference, vol 6, pages 893-902.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/KM4h
	https://doi.org/10.29007/j8bb

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2025:Toward_Understanding_Construction_Workers,
  author    = {Kenneth Sands and Eric M. Wetzel and Mark Tatum},
  title     = {Toward an Understanding of Construction Workers’ Decision to Stop Work When Experiencing Symptoms of Heat Strain: A Pilot Investigation},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {6},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/KM4h},
  doi       = {10.29007/j8bb},
  pages     = {893-902},
  year      = {2025}}

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