JACKSON COUNTY, Mich. (WSYM) - After seeing the weekend forecast we can't say this enough -- stay hydrated and try to stay out of the sun this weekend.
However, not everyone gets to choose if they want to be outside.
Some people at least get to work in the shade or near water. But road construction workers have nowhere to hide. FOX 47's Alani Letang caught up with some people on the job in this brutal heat.
They shared their safety tips for working in the sun -- for example wearing a construction sun hat.
"It protects my ears, there's not a whole lot of hair under here , so it keeps my ears and my neck out of the sun as much as possible," said Matt Rubert, Driver Laborer, Jackson County.
Matt Rubert has been working in construction for 17 years. The heat is just something he's learned to deal with.
Especially when driving a machine with no A/C or fans.
"It's open cab, so drive fast and you might get a breeze but top speed is 4MPH."
Matt and his supervisor, Doug Steffen, make sure to stay well hydrated and take breaks whenever necessary.
But working under a beating sun isn't going to stop them.
"We have a very small window of construction especially in the summer months when paving is our primary function, so being out here in the heat is what we have to do, it's not an option to stop just because it's hot," said Doug Steffen, Senior Engineering Technician, Jackson County.
Steffen said its important to give as many breaks as needed. That helps keep crews going -- even long-time construction veterans.
"It's fun seeing a job through and getting a job done...so whatever we can do," said Rubert.
