Albuquerque is bracing for continued heat as families and construction workers navigate rising temperatures. The metro area is expected to reach the upper 90s again, prompting many to look for ways to stay cool.

City Programs and Workplace Safety Measures

Meteorologist Eric Green noted that starting the day at 70 degrees and reaching the high 90s by noon can take a huge toll on the body. Some families have been participating in Operation Cooldown, a city-run initiative that provides sprinkler play at select city parks from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. when Albuquerque is forecast to hit 100 degrees or higher.

Noah Woisin, with New Mexico Concrete, said that triple-digit temperatures make his demanding work even tougher. Construction crews protect themselves by using UV-blocking long-sleeve shirts, sunscreen, cooling towels, and plenty of water. Bob Genoway, deputy director for the Compliance and Enforcement Division under Occupational Safety and Health Administration, said those practices align with official safety standards.

Genoway emphasized the importance of water, rest, and shade in protecting workers from heat. Employers are responsible for training and educating their workers on the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, which include fatigue, nausea, and headaches. In 2023, when Albuquerque experienced 17 days of 100-degree temperatures, OSHA reported that 50 workers statewide ended up in the emergency room for heat-related illness.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.