Hot weather and road construction go hand-in-hand. And where there's road construction, there are bound to be flaggers. Overheated and much-maligned by the motorists whose convenience they impede, flaggers are vulnerable and need all the protection we can provide them. If you have workers sweating in the heat and dodging vehicles, share this article on the hazards of traffic control with them.

The Hazard of Heat Stress

Let's talk first about the dangers of heat. In the summer, traffic control workers must keep well hydrated and as cool as possible. It's important that they know and recognize the signs of heat illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

• Heavy sweating;
• Fatigue; and
• Dizziness.

To treat the symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• Move to a cool, shaded area;
• Loosen clothing;
• Apply a cold cloth; and
• Hydrate with water.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat illness. It can lead to unconsciousness, convulsions and death. Symptoms include:

• Disorientation;
• Difficulty breathing;
• Seizure;
• Emotional instability; and
• Flushed skin.

To treat heat stroke:

• Remove from heat;
• Loosen clothing;
• Immerse in cool water;
• Position the person lying down with feet slightly elevated; and
• Apply ice packs to groin, armpits and neck.

If you suspect heat stroke, it's important to call for medical assistance immediately. The body's internal temperature control systems have shut down and the body's internal temperature is spiking.

How to Prevent Heat Illness

To prevent heat illness on the job, outdoor workers should:

• Wear light, layered clothing;
• Wear a hat;
• Take scheduled breaks to cool down;
• Drink fluids often; and
• Eat light, cool meals.

Conclusion

Besides heat stress and mobile equipment, flaggers must be aware of traffic near the work zone, including motorists who don't slow down. A motorist traveling 60 mph (94 km/h) needs about 400 feet (122 meters) to stop. Next week, we'll look at the do's and don'ts flaggers need to know to stay safe in the zone.

MEMBER REPLIES

Camping Safety

Your article was very short and to the point. However, there was one very important item that you left out and it could mean the difference of life or death. Food must not be stored inside tents. In the National Parks where the wild life is carnivorous (i.e. Bears) they can mistake the scent of the food to be the people inside the tent and attack them. In the typical camp setting around a lake that is not inhabited by large wild animals you will attract the pesky type (i.e. skunks, opossum and raccoons) they will tear your tent and in the case of the skunk really stink up your weekend. Boy Scout camping codes.

Marvin E. White
Loss Prevention Representative
The Gray Insurance Company

How to Treat a Sting

In addition to baking soda for bee and other stings, an onion works extremely well. Cut an onion and use the open face placing it on the sting (after the stinger is removed if needed). The onion will 'pull' the venom out quickly.

Dale G. Schultz
TXI Engineering
Midlothian TX

Other Insect Transmitted Diseases

Excellent article, however only the tip of the iceberg. I thought you might be interested in these facts on Mosquito borne and other insect transmitted diseases (the statistics below are for Texas where I live; the most current are for 2006 and highlighted in bold red text). WNV and WNF are the most common however, Malaria is still significant, followed up by Dengue.

The URL link for this information: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/health/zoonosis/disease/

Human Cases of Reportable Zoonotic Diseases in Texas

• NR= Not Reportable
• Future updates of these annual statistics will coincide with final reporting deadline to CDC which occurs in May of each year.

Ron Jongema
SMan Consultants

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