Extreme heat leads some to find new ways to stay safe, cool

Joshua Reynolds has been a construction worker for most of his working life. He said he’s just not the type to sit in the office.

But the many years out on mid-Missouri roads for the Missouri Department of Transportation have given him the experience to know that the first aid kit crews had on hand during the hot summer months just wasn’t going to cut it.

“This week alone, we don’t push it,” he said. “Safety is the number one thing for MoDOT, and we keep that at heart when it comes to this.”

For the first time, Reynolds and the Columbia MoDOT crew put together a heat-safety kit. It includes cold packs, sunscreen, heat blankets and several cooling towels.

For long, hot days working on even hotter roads, heat-illness prevention is a priority for construction workers who are exposed to the elements.

“I’ve seen guys pass out, I’ve seen them faint,” he said. “It’s not pretty because once they get to a fainting point, then you are worried about a stroke.”

Reynolds said heat-safety doesn’t start and end with construction. Anyone working outside needs to know how to stay safe in the extreme heat.

“Before you go out during the day, look at the weather and look at the heat,” he said. “Look at what the humidity going to be and what’s the heat index going to be.”

The heat safety pack provides tools necessary to keep cool and safe, but common sense and frequent breaks can go a long way.

“In a week like this with 95, 105 heat index, we don’t joke with it,” said Reynolds. “We don’t play around. We tell guys, ‘Go out, take it slow and take your breaks. Don’t push it.'”

He also recommended drinking water constantly throughout the day to stay hydrated.