Brothers and sisters:
Being this is reaching you in August, traditionally Ohio’s hottest month of the year, heat safety must be foremost in your daily planning. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) 45 people died as a result of extreme heat exposure in 2015 which is a dramatic increase over the 2014 total of 20 people but still well below the 10-year average of 113 fatalities. The age group most affected by the extreme heat is these over the age of 50 with 71% of the fatalities being men. There was no breakdown as to occupation or work-related fatalities in this data.
According to WebMD the hallmark symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Fainting may be the first sign. Other symptoms may include: throbbing headache, dizziness and light-headedness, lack of sweating despite the heat; red, hot, and dry skin; muscle weakness or cramps, nausea and vomiting; rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak; rapid, shallow breathing; behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering; seizures or unconsciousness.
If you suspect you have or your partner has any of these symptoms, contact 911 right away and attempt to cool their core temperature to at least 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. You can wet their skin with water and fan them with air; apply ice packs to the arm pits, groin, neck and back or immerse them in a tub of cool water.
Also, be aware that sweat can be conductive around live equipment. Always LOTO and confirm there is no current in the circuit. If you need to troubleshoot live, use the appropriate PPE and stay aware of your own physical state.
Quick action and recognition can save a life.
The Local 17 Annual Golf Outing will be held August 26th at Emerald Woods Golf Course,12501 N Boone Rd, Columbia Station. The $100 fee includes food, drink, prizes golf and a cart for the day. The format is once again a two man scramble. Please get your money and reservations into Business Manager Tim Moennich at the hall ASAP.
Do you have questions about retirement investment planning? Local 17 is planning a night with a representative from MassMutal, the company that administers the 401K for the IUEC, to give members and their spouses the chance to ask questions and learn about retirement investing options. This event is not limited to those nearing retirement. Choices made early on in your retirement planning can have long lasting effects on it’s eventual value. Contact Tim for more information on this important event.
There are also sign up sheets available for classes in CPR and scaffolding.
On Saturday, September 2 the North Shore Federation of Labor is holding its Fifth Annual Labor Day Festival at James Day Park in Parma adjacent to Tri-C. The event runs from 10 am to 4 pm and is free to the public. For kids there will be Jungle Bob, face painting and balloon art. For the adults look for great music, softball games and corn hole tournaments.
Where are they working?
Jerry Szermerkovsky, Lucas Jenke, Pat Kelly and John Smith installing 13 cars at the Cleveland Clinic Health Education Campus for Otis,
Jason Frederick and Rob Zadravec doing a mod at Normandy Towers for Thyssen,
Greg Seaman and Brian Chambers working at the airport for Schindler,
John Goggin and Cory Ptak doing sheave work at Sherry Park for Schindler,
Shawn Yatsko, Ken Jung, Ryan Todd, Robert Timko, Matt Herbolt and Dion Yatsko doing the mod at the Standard Building for Schindler,
Gary Thompson and Brian Siether continuing the mod at Erieview Tower for Schindler and,
Chris Scholle and Lemroy Hurd installing a car at Innova for Thyssen.
The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to Brother Don Knapik on the passing of his sister Carol.
As of this writing there are four mechanics on the bench.
Until next month…
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
DKnapik@windstream.net
International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 17 