It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
originally posted by: network dude
a reply to: KindraLabelle2
stay hydrated, limit your energy, and move on. I promise, you will not burst into flames.
originally posted by: RickyD
a reply to: KindraLabelle2
As network said...plenty of water and maybe bring a small fan of there is somewhere to put it. I live here in Las Vegas and its currently like 112°F and I haven't had any heat stroke issues. I do try to drink around a gallon of water while at work on a 10-12hr day.
originally posted by: KindraLabelle2
As you may know, the temps here in Europe are unusually high.
In my area we are expecting the worst on Tuesday, with temps around 40°C (104F) and up
Now before you all say that there are places in the world that have these temps every year, keep in mind that we NEVER had them and the climate conditions over here are very different. We are not used to this kind of temperatures and hardly prepared.
My home is good, I live at the edge of a forest so it's always cooler under the trees, I'm not worried for that, the kids are good, the pets are good.
But my workplace? omg... it already felt like hell the last couple of days!
The store I work in is surrounded by a construction yard where they are building new shops. The air is dry and dirty and there is dust inside and outside. Because of this we have been unable to put on the ventilation system, because it sucks the dust and sand in. On top of that we don't have air conditioner ( because the company is cheap!!!) and there are big windows almost all around. So the temps inside are rising almost as high as outside.
I called my area manager yesterday and explained my concerns for the heat that is expected next week... he told me to 'suck it up' and find a way to work through it and remember that I am not the only one who is working in a warm environment! (easy said for a guy who sits in his cool office all day during the heatwave) So simply said, no one cares!
So, over here there are laws that state that we don't have to work in these high temps, unless the company places an airco unit and there is climate control...and they have to make sure we have cold drinks for free each day that temps are over 29C. We have none of that, we will get none of that. I knew that when I signed a contract with them, but at the time the benefits for me were so high that I didn't consider the state of the building, I knew I was on my own and couldn't rely on any area manager to fix my problems. All I have to do is 'show up' and do my job and they leave me alone. Actually, the benefits of the job are still pretty high...
But right now, they are not high enough for me to risk my health, or at least I think there will be a health risk, not sure because again, never experienced this kind of weather before and certainly not in dry dirty air! I just don't think it's going to be doable and that I'll probably suffer a heat stroke or something!
If I call my union guy Monday or Tuesday he will tell me to lock up and go home.
I can do that, but I will probably loose my job if I did... even though they can't fire me for it, they will find another reason!
BUT, there is another thing, why I probably will not call my union or have someone come and check out the working conditions.
Maybe it's the same in other places but over here, the last 3 weeks of July is when all construction workers in the country go on leave, construction leave. So there isn't supposed to be any activity going on right now, except there is.
One crew is still working. Some of the guys came into the store yesterday to buy a radio. The guy just pointed to it and gave me money. He didn't speak Dutch, nor English, nor French or German.... Then he said 'Ukraine'
The supermarket chain that is building a new store next door has hired a crew of Ukraine refugees to work during a heatwave, on the roof, while everyone else is taking a vacation!
This is just so wrong in many, many ways...
but I'm not going to be the one to tell on them! These guys only want to earn some money and they work hard for it!
well... If you don't see me posting again after Tuesday, I probably died while serving a customer that was stupid enough to go outside during the heat to buy a fan, because he is one of those people that always wait until the last minute to buy these things. That's the kind of customers I'll be working for next week...
Not sure what I'll do yet... wish me luck
originally posted by: nerbot
Set up a garden sprinkler just outside the door/doors. One of those ones that moves in an arc and set it to run over the doorway from left to right or right to left.
This means customers won't get wet unless they want to. Put a couple of signs up just in case someone plays stoopid.
You can nip out every now and then for a freshening up.
AND gain some Kudos with the asses in offices with a good customer service and marketing strategy that could bring in more business and make existing customers very appreciative. Just to put a hand in that cold sprinkler would bring relief and a smile. Heck, just seeing it would work.
It would also stop so much dust from getting into the store.
I'm in SW France so understand how hot it is.
MAKE IT RAIN! And be well.
originally posted by: Terpene
a reply to: KindraLabelle2
Inflatable pool, a water socket and hose, keep that fresh water flowing... Get out only if pressing matters arise
originally posted by: ChiefD
I'm so sorry you have to deal with all of that. As others have said, drink plenty of water. If you start having heat exhaust/heatstroke symptoms, close up the store and get immediate medical attention. The hell with what your higher ups say. You could document everything going on, so if they try to fire you, you have documented proof that your life was literally in danger. The union should consider that and help you out. If they don't go to your local news media and say your piece.
Please keep us all posted. We all are thinking of you and care.
originally posted by: KindraLabelle2
I love the idea of sprinklers by the entrance!
But right now there is only sand in front of the store and a couple of boards to walk on. It would become a mudpit first and a big puddle very soon, since the water has nowhere to go.
originally posted by: XipeTotex
a reply to: KindraLabelle2
I would fake a positive kung flu test.
(SNIP) em.
originally posted by: KindraLabelle2
well... If you don't see me posting again after Tuesday, I probably died while serving a customer that was stupid enough to go outside during the heat to buy a fan, because he is one of those people that always wait until the last minute to buy these things. That's the kind of customers I'll be working for next week...
Not sure what I'll do yet... wish me luck