McDonough
HEMPSTEAD — CSEA Town of Hempstead Unit President Tom McDonough has learned exactly what it takes to stay safe when the temperature drops.
“Keep your eyes on the weather applications to keep track of the weather,” said McDonough, who serves as the town’s safety coordinator, chairs the Long Island Region Safety and Health Committee and serves on our union’s Standing Safety and Health Committee. “It’s important to wear layers because the temperature you experience first thing in the morning will change in the afternoon. With layers, you’ll be able to adjust your clothing so you can work comfortably at any time of the day.”
Monitoring your work gear to ensure that you are wearing the proper boots for various weather conditions is also paramount.
McDonough also stresses the importance of experience.
“I always ask senior workers to keep an eye on the new workers,” said McDonough. “If you don’t have experience working outside in the elements, you won’t recognize the signs of things like frostbite or dehydration.”
Shivering is a sign to look for as that is the body’s way of warming itself up. It is also advised to look at workers’ hands, which could become lighter in color. When one begins to freeze, blood rushes to the body’s core to warm itself causing those symptoms. Members should also watch for numbness or tingling in their extremities.
“Situational awareness is key; always know what’s going on around you,” said McDonough. “I’ve seen workers get hurt because they slipped on the ice.”
McDonough suggests workers avoid certain beverages, including coffee because it is a diuretic, and alcohol because it dehydrates.
Wind burn is another issue workers can face while working outdoors. McDonough suggests workers cover as much of their skin as possible, including wearing a hat, covering ears and wearing an apparatus to cover the face.
Occasionally going inside or sitting in the truck to warm up are also high on McDonough’s list of suggestions, along with wearing sunblock.
“CSEA members are family; we have to watch out for each other,” said McDonough.
— Wendi Bowie
