Background:
Construction workers are routinely exposed to high temperatures and physically demanding tasks that significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and dehydration. Despite these risks, hydration practices and water break policies vary widely across job sites and jurisdictions. Inadequate access to rest breaks and water contributes to preventable health complications, including heat exhaustion, kidney stress, and productivity loss. This study evaluates the relationship between water break policies and health outcomes among construction workers, with a focus on occupational safety, hydration access, and policy enforcement.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2022 NHIS Occupational Health Supplement, focusing on adults employed in the construction industry.

Key variables extracted from the NHIS included:

• Work environment factors: access to water and rest breaks, outdoor exposure
• Self-reported health outcomes: general health condition, fatigue, muscle pain, heat exhaustion symptoms
• Demographics and covariates: age, sex, region, income, and hours worked per week.

Findings: Results from the NHIS reveal that limited access to water breaks is associated with poorer health outcomes among U.S. construction workers. These results support calls for national occupational health standards mandating scheduled hydration and rest breaks, particularly in high-heat environments. Leveraging NHIS data can inform both federal and state-level policy efforts to promote worker safety and well-being.