Sparta Public Works Trying To Keep Workers Safe During Heat Advisory

Employees of local public works departments are feeling the heat as temperatures remain in the 90’s throughout the week.

Sparta Public Works Director Dillard Quick said he has 38 employees that work outdoors about 90 percent of the time.

“It’s bad when you are in a ditch,” Quick said. “It’s even worse when your pouring concrete and in a ditch. That temperature really affects your thinking sometimes. If you stay in the ditch too long, you really don’t realize how exhausted you can get.”

Quick said department supervisors keep a close eye on workers to make avoid heat-illnesses. Quick said the city provides gallon coolers on site to make sure workers stay hydrated. Quick said if needed, breaks will be encouraged.

“Ultimately, we all work for the residents of Sparta, but at the same time, safety is the biggest thing,” Quick said. “Once it gets 95 degrees outside, you have to be really aware of what’s going on. I just tell the guys if you think you are getting hot, just take a break.”

Quick said next week, employees will come in earlier at 6:00 a.m. for certain projects to have an hour of cooler temperatures. Quick said he tells the workers to bring a hat, sunscreen and be prepared for a farmer’s tan.