Summer Heat Waves Put Local 138 of the Operating Engineers on Health Alert

Heat Wave Safety - Among those working through multiple heat waves this summer is Brian Ganley of Baldwin (left) of Local 138 of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) who gratefully accepts a break from working on the region’s roads and bridges while getting water from John Duffy, Local 138’s Business Manager and Treasurer. Duffy says they take high temperatures seriously because heat stroke can creep up on the unsuspecting and, if not addressed quickly, can lead to death. The Local has implemented a “Work Smart this Summer” program to ensure its union members recognize the dangers and stay hydrated.

Every member of Local 138 of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) is following a smart strategy for beating the oppressive July heat as they work under the sun on our region’s roads and bridges during rolling series of heatwaves.

John Duffy, Local 138’s Business Manager and Treasurer says they take these high temperatures quite seriously because heat stroke can creep up on the unsuspecting and, if not addressed quickly, can lead to death.

He explained, “We remind our union members to dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. While hardhats on the job are mandatory we always suggest wearing a hat of some kind, regardless of safety regulations. We remind them to drink water and to drink continuously even if they don’t feel thirsty. And, regretfully for me, avoid caffeine, which can dehydrate the body.”

Duffy said, “We want our union brothers and sisters to take care of their fellow operating engineers when working out in summer weather. If they recognize that they, or someone else, is showing the signals of a heat-related illness, they must stop activity, find a cool place and get medical assistance.”

On any given day Local 138 Operating Engineers can be found working in any number of weather conditions to address the condition of our region’s roads and bridges. Operating sophisticated machines that move steel, pour concrete and push tons of earth, their members represent a crucial part of Long Island’s economy while protecting the taxpayers’ biggest investment, our infrastructure.