As Temperatures Climb, Outdoor Workers Seek Shade and Hydration

Unforgettable Coatings Inc. provides water and Gatorade for its crews

Summer is back in Las Vegas, and as the valley experiences its first triple-digit heatwave of the year, outdoor workers are getting creative finding ways to work in the shade.

According to Justin Swenson, General Manager of Production for Unforgettable Coatings Inc. — a commercial painting and roof coating contractor —   employees often wear long sleeves even in the heat of the day to stay shaded from the sun. 

“They know that we’ve given them permission to take as many water breaks and shade breaks as possible,” he said, adding that UCI crews try to follow the shade as much as possible throughout the day. 

Along with encouraging protective gear such as long sleeves and hats to stay covered, UCI also provides its outdoor workers with unlimited water and Gatorades. 

Swenson said proper training is also key in ensuring his employees understand the initial signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

“Sometimes firsthand experience is the best way to prepare and plan for these conditions. We in management started what we call ‘front-line Fridays,’ which is an opportunity for those in management to put on our whites and work with our front-line people,” said UCI President Cory Summerhays. “It doesn’t take long for you to gather a different kind of respect for the work they do.”

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends these summertime tips for outdoor workers:

• Stay hydrated even if you don’t feel thirsty and avoid sugary drinks. 
• Wear sunscreen and cover your skin as much as possible with protective clothing, which should be light-colored and loose-fitting. 
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat rather than a baseball cap. 
• Wear UV-protective eyewear and look for sunglasses that protect from UVA and UVB light.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned area. 
• Consider wearing wet neck towels or gel-filled cooling neck scarves or cooling vests. 
• Eat small meals and avoid caffeine. 

MORE ABOUT UCI

Unforgettable Coatings, Inc. (UCI) is an industry leader in painting and applying specialty coatings, offering commercial painting, construction exterior painting and roofing services, and commercial elastomeric roof coatings in Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Idaho.

  For more information,  visit unforgettablecoatings.com

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