How Utah construction workers are battling triple digit heat

SALT LAKE COUNTY– Zane Smith oversees 230 construction employees working on new freeway-style interchanges on Bangerter Highway at 4700 South, 9800 South, 13800 South and 2700 West.

Despite temperatures soaring above 100 degrees in the area this week, crews have to keep up with their work.

“Our main focus is to make sure the traveling public is safe as well as our crews,” Smith said.

Smith said many crew members are starting their workdays an hour or two earlier to avoid working during peak heat later in the day.

He also said they are going through about five pallets of water a week. The construction workers are also provided neck covers and hydration packets for electrolyte replenishment.

“Crews just need to communicate,” Smith said. “They need to communicate if they think it’s better to come in earlier or if they need a longer break.”

Smith said break schedules are very dependent on the crew and what tasks they are doing, but they are encouraging workers to speak up if they need a break.

When asked if there was any shame in doing so, Smith said, “Construction has a lot of that, but we’re trying to get the crews to speak up…and get away from that.”

“With one person missing, the crews really feel that…but, we’ve got to take care of ourselves,” Smith said.

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