Despite the record heat in some parts of the central coast this week, the tree teams are still working hard. Therefore, there are rules to ensure that they are safe.
“In Caltrans, our crews from hot sidewalks are exposed to difficult conditions. Shoulders, tree trims and guardrails are particularly difficult in the high heat season,” said Celeste Morales, public information officer from Caltrans District 5.
“Heat disease is number one of the cause of weather -related deaths in the state of California,” said Alan Reitz, JW Designs Safety Manager. “These statistics are really important for us to ensure that we use Cal/Osha's right procedures to ensure that they get ready and that everyone goes home safely to their families every evening.”
JW Design recently dissolved a construction project on the Buckley Road in San Luis Obispo.
“Every time we get over 80 degrees, we offer shadows, calm, protection, but also, but also. [when] We rise over 95 degrees, we have a really important standard for prevention with high heat diseases, ”said Reitz.
Cal/Osha standards require certain protocols, depending on the temperature in the context of title 8 Section 3395.
If the temperatures exceed 80 degrees, employers must provide a shady relaxation area, breaks and access to water.
“At least one quarter per person and hour, and the rest breaks in order to be able to use it,” said Reitz.
“We promote fluid intake and frequent frequent breaks,” said Morales. “And if you allow you safely and spatially, we even set up roofs so that you have these small cooling stations.”
Training is also necessary to ensure that the crews recognize the signs of heat disease.
“We have to make sure that the superintendents can not only be well trained, but also the employees can monitor,” said Reitz. “And that is exactly what it really comes up with their buddies, which they, their colleagues, monitor, but sometimes they work alone and it really needs the superintendent who monitors these employees every hour.”
Both Reitz and Morales said that the work was hardly ever shifted due to hot temperatures.