Outdoor workers on the South Plains put themselves at risk every day for heat exhaustion. With summer temperatures reaching the triple digits this week, companies have to assure their workers are staying hydrated and safe. Kalab McInnes, the Co-owner of McInnes Enterprises, said he plans to take care of his employees as the summer begins to heat up.
“A lot of people think that just drinking water all day is going to keep you hydrated, but salt deprivation is going to get you pretty quick too by the mid-afternoon sun,” McInnes said.
He talks about what sports drinks his employees should drink because they are packed with electrolytes and salt for replenishing.
“There’s about 5 minutes between locations so I encourage them to get in the truck, turn the AC up and drink some water to rehydrate before our next location,” McInnes said.
McInnes asks employees to wear long sleeve shirts and pants to help keep them cool in the heat of the day. McInnes Enterprises hasn’t had anyone with dehydration or heat exhaustion since the summer has begun.
“I’m thankful for that. But, fingers crossed it won’t happen this season either, it’s supposed to be a very hot season, and this week it’s suppose to hit triple digits,” McInnes said.
