Heat challenges outdoor workers

Missouri Department of Transportation said the summer months are the most dangerous for road workers because they are working more frequently.

Things like dehydration and heat stroke are things outdoor workers are concerned about, but so is laying asphalt.

Fresh blacktop can reach temperatures as high as 350 degrees.

MODOT manager, Jim Williams said, “If you aren’t wearing the right shoes, it will melt your shoes and burn your toes.”

Williams said, “We have several five gallon coolers. We have Gatorade for the guys out there, as well.”

MODOT provides sunscreen, hard hats, gloves and hand protection for all workers.

“They’ll usually come to us and say, ‘Hey man, I’m getting pretty hot out here and you can usually tell just by looking at them,” said Williams.

Williams said they will then rotate outside workers to running air conditioned vehicles.

MODOT plans to start laying blacktop early next week.