AUSTIN, Texas — Many people in Austin who work outside are trying to deal with the heat – including fiber engineer associate Faith Thomas, who was working on Monday in Downtown Austin.
"It's so hot. It is so hard to work in this, but it's a fun job," Thomas said.
She said she is doing what she can to stay safe.
"I drink plenty of water," she said.
Harrell McCaslin with the Austin Transportation Department said the department is looking out for workers' safety.
"We are taking breaks, making sure they have plenty of water in their trucks and, if need be, sit them in the shade if they get overheated," McCaslin said.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a list of recommendations it wants companies to follow for workers outside in the heat.
"We want employees to drink water every 15 minutes, ensure employees are getting rest breaks in the shade, cool. We want to see employers have an emergency plan to ensure they are ready to respond should an employee so have any type of symptoms of heat-related illness," said Monica Muñoz, the Austin-area director for OSHA.
Austin-Travis County EMS officials recommend drinking as much as 32 ounces of water an hour if you are working in the heat. You should also wear light-colored clothing.