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Construction workers prepare for heat wave next week; doctor advises safety, warning signs

With a heat wave fast approaching, local workers already have plans in place for how to handle the heat.

WOODVILLE, Ohio — A Woodville construction company has 10-plus crews working around the clock, according to its general manager, and starts the work day earlier than normal to avoid times of dangerous heat.

Dave Morris says Gold Medal Roofing implements various practices to ensure workers don't overheat.

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"Usually, we try to get on the roofs about 7 (a.m.) because it's nice and cool," he said. "Then we get the entire roof stripped off. And about 9 (a.m.), you've usually got shingles going back on the roof. But there's a lot of water that the guys are drinking during that time period to make sure that everybody stays hydrated."

Kokosing Construction Company runs an around-the-clock operation, and lead project engineer Jacob Hasselbach says crews have meetings in the morning to discuss the heat and the risk based on forecasted temperatures.

"We also go to great lengths to make sure that all of our crews have access to water, ice, coolers, things of that nature," he said. "We also do a good job of making sure that our crews are within short walking distance of shade or air-conditioned areas."

Hasselbach also said Kokosing crews are preparing for a significant and long-duration heat wave that will persist much of next week.

"I know a lot of our guys are starting at 6 o'clock in the morning next week to combat the 98-degree weather that we're going to be experiencing here," he said. "Making sure that they get out of here around 2 (p.m.) to make sure that they're not going to be here during the hottest time of the day."

Dr. Timothy Scott, an emergency medicine specialist for Mercy Health, says it's important to keep heat-related illnesses, which are progressive and may start with a rash, in mind as the temperatures climb.

"Generally you'll see that in folds or creases, so around the armpits, the neck, anywhere that skin folds, you might see red bumps and that's a sign that a body's starting to get a little bit overheated," Scott said.

If left untreated, the illness can progress to a serious heat stroke which includes symptoms like confusion, dizziness and fainting.


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