Construction workers bare the heat of the summer while working outside
By Kyle Schmidt
Heat exhaustion is a big concern during the hot summers in Missouri, especially for construction crews and other workers who have to do their jobs outside in the heat.
Above and Beyond Concrete worker Slade Hummer spoke about his crew and how they prepare.
“Lots of breaks,” Hummer said. “Find shade, get out of the sun and take care of your guys and know your own limits. The biggest deal is what you do after work.”
Hummer said staying hydrated on the job and the night before is important.
Carol Walter, acting nursing supervisor for the St. Joseph Health Department, said anything above 80 degrees is a warning time and it could cause becoming overheated. 95 degrees is considered dangerous.
Just the way water is consumed can make a difference.
“Sips of water rather than gulping,” Walter said. “Not ice water but if you can get cool water often.”
Outside of water, preparing with extra gear can help as well.
“A cool rag on your head, wear a hat, hide your face from the sun,” Walter said. “Be very aware that this can go from, ‘I’m hot’ to ‘I am overheated and need help’ very quickly.”
Back on the job site, Hummer spoke about how the heat and rain have caused delays to projects.
“Heat has pushed us back just as the rain,” Hummer said. “It’s too hard to pour concrete than later in the day so trying to get concrete done in the morning and get the guys off early so we can take care of them.”
The symptoms of heat exhaustion that Walter rattled off were body sweating more or not at all, skin getting too hot, fatigue, headache and nausea.
“You may need to call 911 and get out of the heat,” Walter said. “The very young and very old are more susceptible.”
Despite the heat this time of year and the hard work that gets put in, the 11 years of outdoor work has made Hummer more accustomed to the heat.
“You kind of grow the pain tolerance,” Hummer said. “The pain tolerance for the heat and every guy is different. You got to know what it takes.”
