Rising Temperatures Raise the Stakes: Experts Highlight New Risks for Outdoor Workers

Somerset, Kentucky (SPCA)--- As extreme heat continues to grip Kentucky and much of the country, workers whose jobs require them to be outdoors face increasingly dangerous conditions. From construction crews and utility workers to police officers and paramedics, heat-related risks are a growing concern—forcing public agencies and private employers to rethink how essential work is out in the sun.

For those who have no choice but to be outside, staying cool is not just a matter of comfort—it can be lifesaving. Many first responders, including firefighters, police officers, and paramedics—often wearing heavy protective gear—are rotating duties more often and stationed in air-conditioned zones between shifts. Emergency scenes with no predictable end time now require added vigilance for signs of heat exhaustion among responders.

Construction and highway maintenance crews also adapt their routines to avoid the worst heat of the day. In many areas, roadwork and resurfacing projects can be performed during overnight hours, when temperatures dip slightly and the sun’s direct intensity is no longer a factor. “A lot of our crews try to get as much done at night as possible,” a Kentucky Department of Highway official explained. “It’s still hot and humid, but safer than working in direct sunlight during the afternoon.”
Still, not all construction and repairs can be completed during the cooler hours. Utility workers, road crews—especially flaggers—and maintenance staff continue to perform essential daytime tasks. To mitigate risks, crews take frequent hydration breaks, use cooling towels, and consume electrolyte-replacement drinks like water and Gatorade. KY Department of Highway supervisors have received training to watch workers for signs of heat stress and to adjust workloads accordingly.

Experts emphasize that these adaptations are becoming temporary measures and long-term strategies, as climate trends suggest that extreme heat will become increasingly common during summer. For now, staying safe means staying cool, hydrated, and alert.

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