A heat-related death in a Texas construction worksite is currently being investigated by OSHA. Jeffery Louis Willenborg of Grand Prairie, Austin died on July 15 from a reported worksite illness caused by heat. Willenborg has been said to be working at a construction site for three consecutive days and under conditions exposing him to very high temperatures. Though the probable cause of death is from heat exhaustion due to heat stress, the Travis County medical examiner has yet to release an official statement regarding the real cause of Willenborg’s death. He was only 43.

According to reports, Willenborg’s employer has not come forward regarding his death. The law requires construction companies to report to OSHA when an employee dies either on the job or after leaving the worksite. The regional office for OSHA in Austin is looking for more information regarding this matter. Though this is the first ever heat-related death recorded in Travis County this year, Texas has again been put on OSHA’s map as the state has been known for construction worksite safety violations leading to accidents and fatalities.

Since the start of the summer season this year, OSHA has been on a campaign to inform and protect workers from heat illnesses. Heat stress is of great concern to OSHA as the illness can lead to death, as with this recent case. Employers should be the first to educate their employees regarding heat illnesses. Employees, on the other hand, should be on the lookout for themselves as well as for their co-workers when working in conditions wherein they are exposed to heat. Reports of incidents and accidents on the worksite should also be duly reported to the local OSHA, so that the proper actions can be taken. Together, everyone can work towards a safer worksite.