Summer sizzle

No matter the temperature or the conditions, construction crews say it's still a regular work day being out in the sun. Crews say it's an uphill battle to stay cool, hydrated, and safe.

14 News spoke to local hospitals, and they say a large percentage of patients they see for heat exhaustion are people that work outdoors. The hospitals say working with concrete and steel makes conditions worse.

Field Safety Coordinator for Deig Brothers Tom Redmon says, "We have at least one cooler at every job, depending on how many people. Usually one cooler will handle three guys, it's a five gallon water cooler."

Crews with Deig Brothers say water is something they're never without while on the job site. They're working on utility lines just across the street from the new downtown arena. A couple of other essentials are sports drinks to replenish electrolytes, and ice towels for workers to wear.

Across town, constructions crews are working on the Harrison High School football field. Crews say it's more than the heat that's working against them.

Project Superintendent for Weddle Brother Scott Coomer says, "You throw a metal deck in and the sun's reflecting off on it. We've guys that are actually pouring concrete, so you know that generates heat too."

For the rest of the story, click here.

Here are some other article on how to beat the heat.

Working in hot weather.

Staying safe in the heat.