8.3.23

Protecting Crews During Extreme Heat

When an excessive heat warning is issued, Wichita Water Partners takes extra precautions to protect workers building the City’s $500 million water treatment facility. Staying safe during these hot summer months means educating crews about the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

Project leaders developed a ‘Heat Illness Prevention Program’ that outlines steps for maintaining a safe and healthy environment while working on-site at Wichita’s Northwest Water Facility. If record-breaking temperatures become unbearable, relief is readily available.

“Our site is 40-acres, and we have Craft employees working in various locations,” said Wichita Water Partner’s Safety Manager, Jon Asher. “We have shade tents set up to eliminate direct sunlight along with fans, ice chests packed with bottled water, sunscreen and additional rest breaks for crews as needed.”

Helping both new and experienced employees adapt to dangerous heat conditions is also key. Part of the safety plan includes acclimating them to work in a hot environment for progressively longer periods. Additionally, an air-conditioned shipping container called a Conex box was placed strategically near the center of the project site to offer a cool escape from the heat and humidity.

On days where temperatures reach 90-degrees, the Wichita Water Partners Safety Team delivers frozen popsicles with electrolytes to help cool crews. “We regularly check on our Craft to see how they are doing and if they need anything,” said Asher. “They have been educated on the importance of drinking plenty of water – at least one, 16-ounce bottle per hour.”

Another element of prevention is identifying the signs of heat-related illness.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizes if someone is displaying heat symptoms, first get medical help. Then, remove them from the heat and give them liquids to drink. Cool them down with a cold compress or wash them down with cool water.

For Wichita Water Partners, building solid relationships based on trust and respect helps identify and prevent heat-related illnesses so everyone can go home safe at the end of the workday.