Sacramento Triple Digits Cause Difficult Work Conditions

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- The triple-digit-temperatures are creating difficult conditions for people who work outside.

Ron Phillips with Integrity First Roofing, is trying to get the job done, when triple digits on the ground are magnified on rooftop.

"On the deck itself it was 147 one day" said Phillips.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, from 1992 to 2008, 423 U.S. workers died from heat related injuries.

Many of those deaths are preventable. The U.S. Labor Department recommends drinking water every 15 minutes, even when not thirsty. Wearing a hat and light colored clothing, and keeping an eye on your fellow workers to ensure they are safe.

"The more we can get done in the morning when it's cool the better off we are" said Phillips.

Phillips wishes his crew cold beat the heat by starting before the sun rises but construction companies have their restrictions.

"We can't start until seven that's the earliest we can start because of the noise ordinance in town" said Phillips.

The labor department also recommends staying cool by finding shade. Phillips job site has a large tree but it hasn't helped his crew.

"Late in the afternoon that tree is going to make a little shade but we'll be gone home by then' said Phillips.