Summer’s here, and that means soaring temperatures. And while efficient HVAC systems, high-volume fans, and water refill stations keep our passengers comfortable indoors, for airport employees working outdoors, the hot sun poses a real danger.
That’s why the airport’s dedicated safety team makes sure heat stress avoidance is top of mind.
“Las Vegas summers are great if you’re laying by a pool,” said Safety Officer Joshua Mcintyre. “But if you’re working out in the heat, it can be really dangerous. We want to make sure that employees have the training and education to know what they need to do to stay safe. So we developed and implemented a safety plan to help mitigate some of those hazards.”
For those stationed in parking garages, on the curbs and out on the airfield, the Department of Aviation offers protective equipment like hats, sunglasses, cooling towels, electrolyte powder and bottled water.
Employees whose jobs require them to be outdoors also take an annual heat safety awareness and training course.
“The most important things are water, rest and shade,” Mcintyre said. “You want to drink water, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and take breaks in shaded areas.”
That might mean sitting in an air-conditioned vehicle to cool off if there are no shade structures nearby.
During extreme heat events, the airport’s safety team hits the streets. Team members drive around wherever employees are working outside, checking in and making sure they stay hydrated.
“Safety is an important part of my job, and we want everyone to know we care about them,” Mcintyre said. “We want to make sure that everyone goes home safely after their shift.”
