Local construction workers brave the heat wave to stick to build schedule

There is an orange heat warning in place until Saturday evening, with forecasted temperatures over 30 C, feeling 10 degrees hotter with the humidex.

Friday was one of those days to crank up the air conditioning until it’s blowing snow, but for those who work outdoors they have to work until it’s done.

CHCH News spoke with some local workers braving the outdoors Friday to see how they are beating the heat.

“Today was an easy day, yesterday was a little bit difficult,” said John Salvador, the project manager at Pro Pavement Ltd.

Working in over 30 C heat, wearing layers of safety equipment, operating heavy machinery — there has to be more to it than that.

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“There’s been really tough days when you’re gonna pass out, even though you hydrated,” said Salvador.

It’s understandable that those who work outdoors, through rain or shine or extreme heat, are used to this weather rollercoaster.

Salvador, who is in charge of a project in Burlington, says special clothing helps.

“We use UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) 50 shirts, a lot of us use them now, and also UPF 50 hats, and hydration — we always have a cooler of water and ice,” said Salvador.

Salvador says If they don’t work when the sun shines they will get behind, then customers are not happy and it affects business.

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“It is a two year project and putting people in the area out of the way, because the road closes half the day, and then the other way,” said Joseph Pachecho, a labourer with Kapp Infrastructure.

The bridge construction work near Mill Street North and Dundas Street in Waterdown is nothing new to residents in the area.

Workers here are also working to a deadline and need to find ways to keep cool in extreme heat.

They say water breaks are key and quitting for the day if it gets to be too much.

“We work hard and don’t do anything that is unsafe,” said Pachecho. “We take water breaks — if we are feeling unwell or if it’s too hot, we stop.”

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