Outdoor workers brave cold temperatures
Tuesday’s cold temperatures created some harsh conditions for people who had to work outside. It also impacted their equipment.
According to recovery superintendent Nicholas Paul with the city of Columbia utilities department, if a truck were to break down or have issues, it could cause a domino effect for other city crews, forcing them to stay out longer in the dangerous elements.
“It affects a lot. It starts with the equipment. A couple guys came in at 6:30 in the morning and some of the trucks wouldn’t start,” Paul said. “We can’t stop in the weather. People in construction, they get to go home. We are still out there doing this, keep hitting the roads.”
ABC 17 News spoke with multiple workers braving the elements, including postal workers and a farmer. All said the temperatures have not made their jobs any easier.
According to health care experts, the key to staying safe when working in these frosty temperatures is dressing in layers. When you are able to add or remove clothes throughout the day, it allows you to properly regulate your body temperature and keep it at a safe level.
