High temperatures in the province have residents flocking outdoors to take in the sizzling heat, but some aren’t outside by choice.
Jon Fitzsimmons spends up to 12 hours a day working outdoors. For him and his colleagues, when the heat is on, the day is long.
“It’s hard right? You just kind of get to the point, where you can’t think, not very effective anymore,” he said.
Fitzsimmons is a general labourer working on homes in Harbour Landing. He said hot and dry conditions are often optimal weather for construction workers.
“If it’s raining out, we actually can’t work. But heat, that’s no excuse not to go in (to work) right?” Fitzsimmons said.
“You’ve got to make money somehow.”
The City of Regina said they require all employees to abide by their corporate safety manual to protect themselves in hot weather.
“When humidex values are between 32 to 37 range, we ask our employees to take 15 minutes of rest and have 45 minutes of work,” City of Regina manager of workplace health & safety, Marco Deiana said.
They also ask city contractors and volunteers to follow those same guidelines.
The Canadian Mental Health Association said scorching summer temperatures can affect just about everybody.
“It’s going to raise your body temperature. That’s going to raise the temperature of your brain and impact how your neuro-transmitters are firing,” executive director Stacey Carmichael, said.
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She also explained the heat is especially hard on people with mental health issues.
“When your brain is firing differently, when it’s not working like it normally does, it can be exacerbated,” she said.
According to Carmichael, people are at a higher risk of suicide during July and August. She recommends checking up on people who are isolated or living on their own.
“When folks are seemingly extra angrier or significantly depressed, those things might be caused by the heat,” she said.
Experts recommend staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, seeking solace in the shade and rest where possible.
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