Introduction: Increasing heat waves‑particularly in urban
areas where construction is most prevalent, highlight a
need for heat exposure assessment of construction
workers. This study aims to characterize the effects of
heat on construction workers from a site in Gandhinagar.
Materials and Methods: This study involved a mixed
methods approach consisting of a cross sectional survey
with anthropometric measurements (n = 219) and four
focus groups with construction workers, as well as
environmental measurements of heat stress exposure
at a construction site. Survey data was collected in two
seasons i.e., summer and winter months, and heat
illness and symptoms were compared between the
two time periods. Thematic coding of focus group data
was used to identify vulnerability factors and coping
mechanisms of the workers. Heat stress, recorded using
a wet bulb globe temperature monitor, was compared
to international safety standards. Results: The survey
findings suggest that heat‑related symptoms increased
in summer; 59% of all reports in summer were positive
for symptoms (from Mild to Severe) as compared to
41% in winter. Focus groups revealed four dominant
themes: (1) Non‑occupational stressors compound work
stressors; (2) workers were particularly attuned to the
impact of heat on their health; (3) workers were aware of
heat‑related preventive measures; and (4) few resources
were currently available to protect workers from heat
stress. Working conditions often exceed international
heat stress safety thresholds. Female workers and
new employees might be at increased risk of illness
or injury. Conclusion: This study suggests significa