Working Outside in the Heat

Imagine working in 100 degrees outside. Construction workers and road maintenance crews have to deal with the elements during the hot summer months. 

And when it comes to making a deadline or being safe, they always choose safety first. 

When temperatures exceed 85 degrees, Q&D Construction has a heat illness prevention program that goes into effect. They make sure their workers have enough water, rest periods...and use the buddy system.

"They're partnered up to keep an eye on one another," said Bruce Carl, the Safety Director at Q&D Construction.

That way crew members are being mindful of the risks brought on by dehydration, such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion and cramps. 

Carl adds, "We look for people that appear to be confused. dizzy, maybe pale in color."

To prevent those symptoms being brought on by the hot weather, workers come in early to get the job done. 

"We schedule our heavy labor to be done in the cooler parts of the day. And we also give our foreman the flexibility to alter the work schedule," said Carl. 

And its not just the construction industry that has to find a way to beat the heat. Road maintenance crews worry about more than just the tools they use. 

"They're working along side the highway on top of the asphalt. So you're looking at asphalt in the 100's, 140 degree asphalt. Along with 100 degree temps, so they're right in the middle of it all day long," said Steve Williams, the Highway Maintenance Manager for the Nevada Department of Transportation. 

NDOT also tells us they hold safety meetings once a week to discuss issues like the heat outside.