Any kind of outdoor or manual labor is a challenge in a climate like we have here in Central Florida. Workers on the Big Drive live that reality every day. Traffic anchor Amy Biondello has more on what I-4 workers do to handle working in the heat.
“It’s just really hard work and they’re out there in the heat doing it,” Mike Bickeral, project environmental health and safety director with SGL Constructors, said.
No matter what the job, working on I-4 isn’t easy.
“You don’t have a lot of cover for some, especially when you’re building a bridge in a large roadway like this so staying out of the sun is ideal but unfortunately we can’t do that in a lot of situations,” Bickeral said.
Doing physical work in the Florida heat and sun requires careful attention to the well beingof the workforce.
“We spend a lot of time training and educating our employees on heat related illnesses, proper clothing to wear and things of that nature,” he continued.
It all starts with hydration.
“All of our employees are issued a 2-and-a-half gallon water jug. Our foremen also have a five-gallon jug with them to supplement that,” Bickeral said.
Frequent water breaks are encouraged, especially in the scorching summer months.
“On some of these high heat index days these guys will go through a whole 2-and-a-half gallons by around noon,” Bickeral said.
Starting out by wearing the right clothing is key.
“I do believe that covering up your skin does help. Wearing loose, light colored clothing also helps.”
When you call the outdoors your office, seeking shade and taking frequent rests, along with knowing your own limits is vital.
“We want a proactive approach so we don’t get ourselves into a situation where we do have to treat someone medically,” Bickeral said.
And if shade from the sun isn't available or isn't enough, they have a solution.
“If they do have a vehicle close by or if they do start to feel a little overheated have the opportunity to get in their foreman’s vehicle, or their own turn the AC on, cool down,” Bickeral said.
Construction is very hard work and our Florida climate frequently doesn’t make it any easier.
That’s why following safety guidelines and taking preventative steps is so important for outside workers.