Heat is very difficult for outdoor workers

Working outdoors is part of the job for many city and county employees, but summer heat has prompted local governments and businesses to adjust routines and reinforce safety measures to protect outdoor workers.

Russellville’s Street Department has adjusted its work schedule in response to high temperatures.

“Instead of when we used to start at 7, now we’re starting at 6 and getting off at 2:30, so that helps,” said street department Superintendent Shannon Wilson.

He said the earlier schedule helps crews complete more work before the hottest part of the afternoon.

Franklin County Highway Department crews have continued working their regular schedule, County Engineer Jason Baggett said.

“We have different work that we can do here, and days like this we can make sure everybody’s out mowing and things of that nature, where they’re kind of inside equipment with air conditioning,” Baggett said.

The highway department held a safety meeting this week to review the signs of heat-related illness and remind employees to stay hydrated while working outdoors. Baggett said the department has not experienced any heat-related illnesses among employees this summer.

Jeremy Burns, owner of Burns Lawn & Landscape Services in Russellville, said his company also takes precautions to help employees work safely in the heat.

“We try to start our crews early, encourage frequent water and electrolyte breaks, and adjust our schedule when temperatures become extreme,” Burns said.

He said the company provides electrolyte packets, cooling towels, hats and bottled water for employees. Crews also have access to air-conditioned work trucks if they need to cool down before returning to work.

“Keeping our team safe is more important than rushing to finish a job,” Burns said.

Franklin County Emergency Management Agency Director Mary Glass said she has not been aware of an increase in heat-related incidents.

“Stay in the shade as much as possible and stay hydrated,” Glass said.

Red Bay Police Chief Janna Jackson reminded residents should never leave a child or infant unattended in a vehicle during hot weather.

“This time of year, it’s especially important,” Jackson said.

During extremely hot weather, the heat on a roof becomes so intense, it’s dangerous for bare hands.

“You have to have good gloves,” said Anthony Smith of Smith Roofing and Remodeling. “The shingles will burn your hands.”

Smith is among workers whose jobs force them outside in hot conditions.

“We try to get started early,” he said. “Usually, about 5 to 6 hours is about all you can handle in a day on the roof. We try to stay hydrated. I probably drink about a gallon and a half a day.”

Florence Parks Maintenance Supervisor and Safety Coordinator Mark Brewer said workers also have cooling masks they can put around their head and are instructed on taking precautions.

“We let our guys take extra breaks and make sure they get plenty of water and electrolytes,” Brewer said. “When mowing, if it gets too hot, we tell them to pull off under the shade to cool off. A lot of time, we try to get out as early as possible so we can avoid afternoons when it’s super-hot.”

Lane Austin of Austin Lawn Care said proper clothing helps, as does an early start.

“What I would say is start early and stay hydrated,” Austin said. “We just wear lightweight pants and long-sleeve nylon shirts. When you’re sweating and the breeze is blowing these shirts, it actually cools you back down.”

He said the breaks between yards also help.

“You’re going job to job so you’re able to get in the car,” Austin said. “We keep ice water everywhere and keep towels to dry off and cool off.”

Parks and Recreation Director Bill Jordan said lifeguards at the Royal Avenue Recreation Center pool helped someone who was overheated earlier this week.

“The lifeguards did an incredible job of recognizing it and they’re training kicked in,” Jordan said. “For them to recognize it before something happened was tremendous work.”

Colbert County Emergency Management Agency Director Jody Hitt said someone overcome by heat earlier this week showed up at the front door of a residence on Hawk Pride Mountain seeking assistance.

The Ring camera on the door picked up his image and the homeowner, who was not at home at the time, saw it and realized the man was in distress and called 911. Emergency responders arrived and treated the man.

“Thank goodness that person had Ring and called,” Hitt said.

He recommends wearing lightweight and lightcolored clothes during extremely hot days.

Lauderdale EMA Director Brad Holmes said 911 operators have started receiving heatrelated calls. “As the heat continues to be the focus of the forecast, we expect to see more of that,” Holmes said. “It most definitely is a dangerous situation for people to be in and is important for people to remember heat exhaustion can happen immediately and can happen over time.”

He said someone who suffers from heat exhaustion may not be 100% the following day.

“Limiting time outdoors, taking frequent breaks and continually monitoring yourself and those around you remains very important,” Holmes said. “Another concern with the amount of heat and dryness is people attempting to go outdoors and burn.”

He said excessive sweating, especially for someone who normally does not sweat, can indicate heat-related issues. The same goes for someone who suddenly stops sweating.

“I’m thankful people have taken the heat risk seriously,” Holmes said. “Nobody is immune from heat exposure and issues that it can create.”