EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 As temperatures climb into the triple digits across the Borderland, outdoor workers are taking extra precautions to stay safe while working under the sun.<\/p>\n
A temperature gun showed ground temperatures reaching more than X degrees during a recent afternoon in El Paso.<\/p>\n
While many residents seek relief indoors, landscaping crews continue working through the heat.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Garcia said preparation begins before workers arrive at a job site.<\/p>\n
Crews wear long sleeves, hats, neck coverings and sunglasses to help protect themselves from prolonged sun exposure.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Symptoms can include dizziness, headaches, nausea, heavy sweating and confusion.<\/p>\n
Heat stroke is considered a medical emergency and can become life-threatening if not treated immediately.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
If someone begins feeling ill, Garcia said crews move quickly to help.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Some landscaping companies also adjust work schedules during the summer, starting earlier in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day.<\/p>\n
Despite those precautions, Garcia said the dangers of extreme heat remain real.<\/p>\n
He recalled witnessing a worker collapse from heat stroke while on the job.<\/p>\n
“I’ve seen a man just fall down on the floor having a heat stroke,” Garcia said.<\/p>\n
“Everybody rushed to help him. That’s one of the saddest things I’ve ever seen.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: El Paso, Las Cruces open cooling centers citywide as summer heat builds across the region<\/a><\/p>\n