ST. CHARLES, Mo. – It’s times like these that you think about area utility workers, roofers, and those who spend their work hours outdoors. The hot weather, combined with the high humidity, can really take its toll.
“We have to keep any eye on each other. When you’re out here you’re working side by side with a lot of other employees, making sure that everyone is staying coherent, staying focused, make sure no one is getting overheated,” Carl Nolde, St. Charles County Highway Operations Manager, said. “We try to rotate on different positions that we have that are called the hotter jobs.”
Staying cool while laying down 250-degree asphalt in 95-degree heat is vital and lifesaving.
“We are out in it every day, so we acclimate to it, but every morning we’re packing ice water, we’re taking care of our guys and gals with hydration,” Nolde said. “The key is to keep fluids in and try to stay from going in and out of air conditioning because that’s the toughest on you.”
Staying out of the sun by providing shade on their equipment also helps to keep out of the beating sun.
