On a recent episode of Dirty Jobs, Mike paid a visit to Michigan’s Soo Locks for a day of maintenance and muck up work. He discovered two things: the Soo Locks are a marvel of engineering and it’s really cold up there in the winter. As the Soo Lock crew explained, the only time they can get at the locks is during the winter when the water from Lake Superior freezes over. With their years of experience, they’ve become acclimated to the harsh working conditions. Sadly, Mike and his DJ crew weren’t as acclimated but the work still needed to get done. That’s pretty much how it goes down for plenty of dedicated workers all across the country. At any given time these folks can find themselves toiling away in extreme weather. It’s not for the faint of heart.
Extreme weather work means exposing yourself to the elements. This doesn’t necessarily mean working outdoors in the cold or heat but there are many gigs which can present hazardous working conditions. Consider the extreme temperatures endured by steel workers, glass blowers and smelters versus the frozen food factory employees and the ice makers. Of course it is being exposed to the elements you have no control over that pose the most danger. The Canadian government’s version of OSHA has a handy guideline to working in extreme hot or cold conditions and determining whether or not you are suffering from hypothermia or heat stroke. Ironically, three of the main symptoms for both conditions are the same: fatigue, nausea and dizziness. If you are feeling fatigue, nauseous or dizzy you might not be able to read the website so study up now!
If you grew up in a part of the country where snow is a common event then chances are you experienced a snow day as a kid. This is where a blanket of the white stuff would materialize overnight and force the schools to close. Was there anything better than this? While the kids are taking advantage of the snow plows have hit the street. The drivers working these plows are the first line of defense in a blizzard and quite often work around the clock to get the streets salted down and clear. Over at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (yes, there is such a place) they have a fascinating article about early snow removal. The first use of a snow plow was recorded in Milwaukie in 1862. Winter cities have been plowing ever since.
The University of Iowa has broken down the art of winter cloth layering to a science. As they explain it you need wicking, insulation and the shell. In case you didn’t know, clothes made out of wicking material are those that can “wick” the wetness from your skin. With all the wicking, insulation and shelling just make sure you can still move your arms and legs to do the job!
As a way of paying back the hard working city maintenance crews, some creative kids over in Evanston, Illinois have decorated a bunch of the city’s snow plows. What a great way to get the next generation used to the concept of “work is not the enemy.”
On the other side of the extreme weather coin is working in the heat. The CDC has broken down the conditions that contribute to heat stroke and provide ways to avoid it. You can also check out the recommendations from government of Australia for working in the heat. It can get plenty hot down under.
Bottom line: next time you feel like complaining about your job, consider the skilled laborers who are putting their life on the line in extreme weather condition everyday. We’d love to hear some stories and of course send us photos of your handy work. Hot or cold, you’re getting the job done.
— Meyer
One Comment
Having worked in the oil fields of North Dakota as a Frac Operator, I can tell you the mission is never suspended. Extreme cold temps and long hours during the winter are very common and -30F degrees is very common. Most days are 12 hours+. It’s very taxing, emotionally and physically. It takes a special type of worker to endure.