Desiree Villanueva MCALLEN – Most employees who work outdoors have eight-hour workdays, seven of which are spent outside in the heat, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion.
Rogelio Deleon, the City of McAllen’s Compost Department supervisor shared how they keep their employees safe under extreme conditions.
“We provide Gatorades, provide electrolytes and stuff like that, they get their breaks they are able to take breaks and go back out. We try to have some work under some shade we have little roofs outside where they’re able to work,” said Deleon.
Some symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, cold pale and clammy skin, a fast and weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headaches and fatigue.
If you must work outside in extreme conditions, you can prevent heat illness by using acclimatization, drinking plenty of water consistently, spending time in air-conditioned buildings during breaks and after work hours and placing a cool wet cloth on your body.
Jose Cavazos, McAllen Compost Department maintenance worker spoke about his experience working in scorching temperatures.
“It’s constant, you know, we have to listen to our bodies. We have to feel if our heads OK, if our body can handle the stress of the heat and we just try to stay hydrated as much as possible,” Cavazos said.
According to the Pedialyte website, Pedialyte is also a good way to stay hydrated longer and avoid dehydration.
Reporter – Desiree Villanueva
