A Roofer’s Death and the Lessons Every Worksite Must Learn

Heat stress remains one of the most overlooked hazards on construction sites. Roofers, road crews, landscapers, and many outdoor workers face hot conditions that place real strain on the body. The following case shows how quickly heat illness can turn deadly, even when temperatures do not seem extremely high.

In July, a 42-year-old man began work as a roofer. The employer provided water, ice, and Gatorade drinks but did not have a structured heat illness prevention plan for new workers. For the first two days, the worker felt normal. On the third day, the temperature reached 86°F with 57% humidity, creating a Heat Index of 90°F, conditions warm enough to cause heat illness during heavy labor.

Later in the afternoon, the worker reported feeling hot and sick. He climbed off the roof and sat alone in direct sunlight. Minutes later, co-workers found him showing severe signs of heat stroke. He was taken to a hospital but did not survive. Reconstruction data showed a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) of 82°F, which is high enough to create dangerous heat stress during physically demanding work.

This incident shows that heat illness can occur even during moderately warm weather when workload and environmental conditions place too much pressure on the body.

Heat stress training gives workers, managers, and supervisors the knowledge to identify early signs of heat-related illness and take action before conditions become severe. Topics covered in the training include:

• How the body responds to heat
• Signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
• Safe practices for working in high-heat conditions
• Hydration and rest strategies
• How to recognize symptoms in co-workers
• Emergency response procedures
• How to apply heat stress first aid

By completing this training, worksites can improve awareness, reduce risks, and create safer environments during hot weather or high-heat operations.

Role of OSHA 10 Hour and OSHA 30 Hour Training

OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 courses help improve safety awareness at construction sites, including hazards related to heat stress.

Focused on workers, this course introduces:

• Heat stress hazards
• Basic first aid steps
• Safe procedures for outdoor work
• Rights and responsibilities under OSHA

Workers learn how heat affects the body and when to speak up about unsafe conditions.

Designed for supervisors and site leaders, this course covers:

• How to create and manage a heat illness prevention plan
• Responsibilities during high-heat work
• Monitoring workers and identifying early symptoms
• Setting up rest schedules and hydration plans
• How to respond during emergencies

Supervisors play an important role in watching for symptoms, guiding new workers, and organizing safer job tasks.

Conclusion

Heat stress is a serious hazard for outdoor workers, and this case shows how fast it can become dangerous. A clear acclimatization plan, quick first aid, strong supervision, and proper OSHA training help create safer worksites during hot weather. When workers understand heat risks and supervisors stay alert to early symptoms, job tasks can continue in a safer and more controlled way.