Lineman Lessons

Tips From The Green And Tan

Heat-related sicknesses can range from mild to life-threatening. And since minor issues can easily progress into serious illnesses, it’s important that no heat-related symptom is ignored.

Our line of work is certainly not for the faint of heart this time of year. That's because our commitment to doing our job safely doesn't change when the temperatures rise. The flame retardant pants and long-sleeve shirts, rubber sleeves and insulated gloves, leather glove protectors, steel-toe boots and hard hats that we wear in January are the same ones we wear in July.

You could fill a ten-gallon bucket with the amount of sweat that comes off us these days. Not that we'd suggest anyone do that...for obvious reasons.

So how do we keep our cool when the weather is brutal? We know our limits and we don't take risks. This means incorporating extra breaks into our day, drinking plenty of water and adjusting our work schedules so we start work a little earlier, and avoid being 30 feet up in a bucket during the most scorching parts of the day.

We also maintain a brother's keeper style relationship with one another. Sometimes it's easier to notice the signs of heat exhaustion in someone else than it is in ourselves. We have no problem pulling one of our co-workers off a job if we notice the heat is getting to him. Better to lose a few minutes of work than to lose a brother.

We know we aren't the only ones having to work in the blazing outdoors this time of year, so we recommend anyone who's facing the furnace to approach it just like we do.

Drink more water than you think you need. Don't wait until you're thirsty, just keep at it. Skip the caffeinated drinks and alcohol, because they'll worsen dehydration instead of helping it. If you're not in a hard hat like us, get yourself a hat that’s wide enough to shade your face and neck. Lather on the sunscreen, ideally 30 SPF or higher, and reapply it every couple of hours.

Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of heat-related sicknesses. Check out the sidebar - we listed them for you. Snap a picture with your phone or cut this page out and put it somewhere you'll be able to see it every day.

And last, but definitely not least, use the buddy system like we do. Look out for your co-workers, neighbors and family members.

Just like all of our crazy weather patterns here in the south, we'll get through this one together.

1

Heat cramps

These are marked by muscle pains and spasms. If you or someone near you complains of this type of pain, get to a cooler area where you or the victim can rest and rehydrate.

2

Heat exhaustion

Look for pale, ashen or flushed skin as signs of heat exhaustion. Victims might also experience headaches, nausea, weakness or dizziness. When these signs and symptoms show up, stop what you’re doing, move yourself or the victim to a cooler location, remove as much clothing as possible and apply cold compresses to the skin. Water or an electrolyte replacing-fluid should be sipped slowly until the condition starts to improve.

3

Heat stroke

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The signs of heat stroke include high body temperature, red, dry skin, loss of consciousness, disorientation, changes in breathing patterns or a weak pulse. Call 911 immediately and do whatever you can to cool yourself or the victim down until emergency responders arrive.