The Shorthorn - Under the Sun

Under the Sun

Written by Jai Malano-Ayers

Tuesday, 29 July 2008 09:23 PM

It’s the mid-summer and temperatures continue to rise.

But despite the heat, summer is apparently the best time for construction and outside labor, said Lincoln Hammer, an estimator for Pavement Services.

Hammer, whose company is handling Greek Row Beautification Project construction, said summer hours give workers more time with equipment because of the amount of available daylight.

“In the summer you have longer days, so we use that time to get as much work done as we can,” he said. “The guys know how hot it gets and don’t mind as much because they love their work.”

He said in 25 years of business, the company had a few minor cases of heat exhaustion, but that those incidences are a good reminder of what to do when a similar situation arises.

In the past, Hammer said workers were instructed to stop work and rehydrate themselves before filing an accident report.

He said his workers look out for one another and pay attention to signs that may indicate dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Tri-Tech foreman Dan Cotton, said the company’s precautions include drinking plenty of fluids and knowing how and when to pace themselves during summer shifts.

“We try to watch for cold and clammy skin when it’s over 90 degrees,” he said. “If it’s that hot and they aren’t sweating, then you know something is wrong.”

Cotton said in all the years that he has worked in construction, he’s only had to send one person home due to extreme heat.

“I remember he was real sluggish and I actually had to give him a couple of days off,” he said.

Tri-Tech worker Inocenceo Rodriguez said that he occasionally opts to work in shaded spots so he can avoid taking frequent breaks.

“When it gets too hot I do go ahead and take a break,” he said. “Like yesterday, I had to grab some water and sit down for a few minutes.”

Hammer said crews from pavement services are also given Gatorade packets before working and are encouraged to stay hydrated and take breaks when needed.

“We have safety meetings every Monday,” he said. “And no matter what the subject, we encourage them to look out for each other and stay cool.”

Other precautions taken are excessive clothing and optional salt tablets that help reduce perspiration, Hammer said.
Views: 2772 | E-mail

Be first to comment this article

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 24 September 2008 03:52 PM )

< Prev		Next >

[ Back ]