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Can t escape the heat: Workers cope with record temperatures

Staff reporter

It was hot outdoors last week.

A welcomed break in the weather reduced temperatures by 20-30 degrees but those few days of 100-plus temperatures were uncomfortable.

You know it's hot when you perspire walking from one air- conditioned place to another.

How about working in the heat all day, every day?

Marion County Road and Bridge Department employees Garry Klose and Ike Boone are workers on a culvert crew. Their job is to set culverts in roadways and prepare new bridge decking to be overlaid.

"We hit it hard in the mornings and find shade in the afternoons," Boone said.

Drinking plenty of fluids, taking breaks, and being cautious are the rules.

During the hotter part of the day, the workers move equipment and materials.

"We encourage the men to take it easy in the afternoons," Steve Hudson, road supervisor said. "The men watch out for each other and if they see one of them is having problems, they'll help them to cool down."

Hudson said there haven't been any major problems with the heat other than workers occasionally getting too warm and having to take a break.

"That's why we've gone to earlier hours," Hudson said. The department works 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

"We thought about going to four, 10-hour days but didn't think the workers could tolerate two more hours in the heat," he said.

Salt tablets and water coolers are provided to the crews by the county.

Even with air conditioning in most county vehicles and equipment, it's impossible to keep out of the heat.

Gene Hett of Marion has been a laborer with the county for 33 years. He's never suffered heat exhaustion or a stroke.

"I drink plenty of water," he said.

Boone also a Marion resident, has worked outdoors most of his adult life. Klose, a rural Marion resident, worked for the road and bridge department when he was younger. This is his first summer as an outdoor laborer and it's been tough on him.

Klose experienced heat exhaustion two years ago while working at his residence.

Approximately 20 years ago he suffered a heat stroke.

"I was bucking hay in a hay barn and there wasn't any air," Klose said. "I quit sweating and I thought, 'Oh, good. It's cooling off.' The next thing I know I'm on the ground."

He was hospitalized overnight and made a full recovery.

"Once you get overheated like that, it doesn't take much the next time," Klose said.

To stay cool, the workers dampen handkerchiefs and wear them around their necks or place them on their heads for a quick cool down.

Even when the day is done, the heat still takes a toll on them.

"When I get home, I'm just drained," Boone said.

By cooling off and resting, Boone said he revives.

Klose said as he's aged he's noticed his tolerance isn't what it used to be.

"There's 20 years difference between Ike and I," Klose said. "I sure can't do what I used to."

With years of experience working outdoors and knowing how to prepare, the heat still gets to Boone.

"No matter what you do, you're never totally ready for the heat," he said.

Now with cooler temperatures in the 90s this week, workers can breathe a collective sigh of relief — at least for now until the next heat wave hits.

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