A Lesson in Staying Hydrated

By Randall C. Resch

Millions of residents across California, Oregon, and Washington are under Extreme Heat Warnings as forecasters warn of dangerous and potentially lethal temperatures. Parts of Northern California are expected to reach 110°F, while areas of Oregon and Washington could see temperatures approaching 100°F. Compounding the danger are unusually warm nights that provide little relief, increasing the risk of heat-related illness for anyone working outdoors.

For tow operators, these conditions are more than a weather story—they're a workplace hazard.

Recently, I observed a tow operator working a midday embankment recovery on a rural two-lane road. A highway patrol cruiser and CalTrans pickup were parked nearby, their occupants staying cool inside air-conditioned vehicles. The tower, however, was wearing long sleeves, heavy boots, uniform pants, and an ANSI Class III vest while rigging the recovery under a blazing sun.

His face was beet red. By appearance alone, he seemed moments away from suffering a heat-related injury.

Watching him reminded me of a lesson I learned the hard way.

A Long Time Ago

As a teenage tower in the late 1960s, I lived and worked in the small gold-mining town of Julian, California. One summer day I headed to an off-road recovery in a battered Dodge Power Wagon equipped with an early Holmes 400 wrecker. The truck had a rusted hole in the floor, ran on what felt like five-and-a-half cylinders, and, of course, had no air conditioning.

I arrived at the recovery site around midday, figuring the job would take about an hour. The customer's ranch truck had gone over the side of a mountain road and come to rest nose-down among rocks and small trees. I was working alone. There were no radios, no cell phones, and, as it turned out, no water.

I spent the next hour hauling chain, cable, and a snatch block up and down the embankment, stopping occasionally in the shade to catch my breath. When it came time to winch, the old Dodge decided it needed a break too and quit running. After several minutes under the hood coaxing it back to life, my own engine gave out.

I passed out.

The last thing I remember was feeling incredibly hot. When I finally came to, I was lying face-first in the dirt, dazed and confused. My lips and teeth were coated with dust, and it took several moments before I realized what had happened.

I was dehydrated.

Listen and Learn

A recent TowForce.net forum post shared guidance from TRAA regarding the importance of hydration. One point stood out:

"Asphalt absorbs 95 percent of the sun's rays, and asphalt temperatures can easily be 30 degrees higher than surrounding air temperatures."

When towers work crashes, recoveries, and extended incidents on pavement, heat exposure can become dangerous long before they recognize the symptoms. Heat exhaustion, heat cramps, dehydration, and heat stroke can sneak up quickly.

Many operators have a "macho" mindset and don't consider themselves vulnerable to heat-related injuries. The reality is that no one is immune.

Operators must make a conscious effort to get out of the heat, seek cooler environments whenever possible, and stay ahead of dehydration. In short, workers have to hydrate while they work.

Don't be a dope like me.

Owner Responsibilities

Under OSHA Section 1910.141(b)(1)(i), employers must provide potable water in the workplace. While tow operators don't work from a fixed location, owners should ensure that drivers have ready access to drinking water during their shifts.

A good rule of thumb is to drink at least one eight-ounce bottle or glass of water every 20 minutes when working in hot environments—not just when you're thirsty.

Simple solutions can make a big difference. Carry bottled water in a cooler. Consider using a hydration backpack during lengthy recoveries. Another inexpensive tool is a cooling towel soaked in water and worn around the neck, providing several hours of relief.

Water, Rest, Shade

Hydration is basic safety, but it's often overlooked. Employers should regularly discuss heat awareness and other weather-related hazards during safety meetings, including cold-weather emergencies, swift-water incidents, lightning, falling trees, and flood dangers.

To avoid becoming the next preventable heat-related injury, remember three simple words:

Water. Rest. Shade.