Samet, a general contractor working on Wake Tech's Fire Safety Center in Wendell and other projects across the Triangle, held a heat safety event Wednesday to educate workers about heat-related illnesses, warning signs and ways to stay safe.
As part of the event, Samet's environmental health and safety team met with employees and provided water to help keep workers hydrated. Company leaders said the goal was to give crews a break from the sun while ensuring they are prepared to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses on the job.
Brian Sampson, a site superintendent, said experience working in hot conditions does not eliminate the risk of heat-related illness.
"A lot of people think just because they hang out in the heat, or they work in the heat for over decade, that they can handle it. But that's not always true. You have to make sure that you stay hydrated. You have to make sure that you have electrolytes in your system," Sampson said.
Construction companies are also adjusting schedules by starting crews earlier in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Andrew Forsley, Samet's environmental health and safety manager, said workers should watch for signs of heat-related illness in themselves and their coworkers.
"It's all of our jobs out in the field to make sure that we are taking care of each other, that we're looking out for each other as a general contractor. We want to make sure that we're feeling responsible for those trades. So we are out there in the field making sure people are, you know, working safely, making sure that there is cold, drinkable or potable water for individuals out there," Forsley said.
Officials said hydration, electrolytes and recognizing the warning signs of heat-related illness are key to keeping workers safe as temperatures continue to climb across central North Carolina.
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