How can linemen mitigate the risk of heat illness?

Staying hydrated and taking breaks in the shade are crucial strategies for linemen to mitigate the risk of heat illness. Hydration helps maintain the body's ability to cool itself through sweating, which is essential in hot work environments. When workers are dehydrated, their ability to regulate body temperature decreases, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Taking breaks in the shade allows the body to cool down, providing a necessary respite from direct sunlight and high temperatures. This practice helps prevent overheating by reducing exposure to extreme heat and allowing the body time to recover from physical exertion.

The combination of these two actions significantly enhances a lineman's safety and performance during outdoor work, making it a proactive approach to managing heat stress.