How Outdoor Workers Stay Cool While Working In The Heat

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- It’s no secret that Tuesday was one of the hottest days of the year.

In fact, the heat index was the highest it’s been in recent years, reaching over 100 degrees.

However, despite the heat, workers with Smith Landscaping weren’t letting that stop them from giving yards the blow and trim that it needed.

“No it’s not fun at all, but somebody’s got to do it,” said Clay Bowen, Operations Manager with Smith Landscaping. “The majority of their time in the summer is in the dead of the heat.”

On average, workers spend nearly 10 hours a day working in the sun keeping lawns looking good.

They can do anywhere from 10 to 15 yards a day, but the higher the mercury climbs, the tougher that job gets.

“It can get pretty intense pretty quickly.”

That’s why Bowen said it’s important for work crews not to over do it, pace themselves, and always stay hydrated.

“We keep them stocked with coolers with ice water, they also drink lots of Gatorade,” Bowen explained. “We always remind them to take a break if you need to take a break, again know your limitations. Get in the shade, cool off, don’t go from one extreme temperature to the other, because that’s really a way you can have heat exhaustion.”

Bowen said he often goes to check on crews to make sure everyone is staying safe and cool in the scorching heat.

“We remind them don’t hesitate to reach out to anyone of us, any of the supervisors or managers, let us know if they are not feeling well or if they need something,” the operations manager said. “Safety comes first.”

Although they want to answer every lawn service and do their best making the yard look nice and neat, Bowen said the safety of the workers will always be their number one goal.

“You can’t take it lightly at all, you got to know your limitations, you got to know how to take care of yourself first so that you don’t get overheated and get dehydrated,” Bowen expressed. “Nobody is going to be upset with you if the heat gets the best of you. It happens to all of us, so know when to give yourself a break.”

Bowen said August and September are typically the hottest months for them to work outdoors.