EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — As temperatures climb into the triple digits across the Borderland, outdoor workers are taking extra precautions to stay safe while working under the sun.
A temperature gun showed ground temperatures reaching more than X degrees during a recent afternoon in El Paso.
While many residents seek relief indoors, landscaping crews continue working through the heat.
“We do safety meetings and we have plenty of water, Gatorades, something to hydrate ourselves,” said Umberto Garcia, a crew leader with MRD Irrigation & Landscaping.
Garcia said preparation begins before workers arrive at a job site.
Crews wear long sleeves, hats, neck coverings and sunglasses to help protect themselves from prolonged sun exposure.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, outdoor workers face an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Symptoms can include dizziness, headaches, nausea, heavy sweating and confusion.
Heat stroke is considered a medical emergency and can become life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Garcia said his company emphasizes heat safety through regular safety meetings and by ensuring workers have access to water, sports drinks and breaks throughout the day.
If someone begins feeling ill, Garcia said crews move quickly to help.
“The first thing we do when somebody comes and tells us they’re feeling bad is take them to the shade, give them water and let them take a break,” Garcia said. “We look out for each other.”
Some landscaping companies also adjust work schedules during the summer, starting earlier in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Despite those precautions, Garcia said the dangers of extreme heat remain real.
He recalled witnessing a worker collapse from heat stroke while on the job.
“I’ve seen a man just fall down on the floor having a heat stroke,” Garcia said.
“Everybody rushed to help him. That’s one of the saddest things I’ve ever seen.”
Health experts recommend staying hydrated, wearing lightweight and protective clothing, taking frequent breaks in shaded areas and monitoring coworkers for signs of heat-related illness.
With temperatures expected to remain high throughout the summer, Garcia’s advice is simple: stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun and keep an eye on the people around you.
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