Waldemar Camps has seen the temperature spike to 130 degrees inside the Anvil International foundry in Columbia where he works as a molding operator.
"We wear protective clothing, helmets and shields to protect the face. When you have to deal with the high temperature inside the plant, combined with the really hot weather conditions outside, it's suffocating," said Camps, who has worked at the site for three years and was recently elected the union vice president.
Anvil International provides a nurse to deal with emergency situations during heat advisories, stocks electrolyte-infused drinks and allows employees to have a drink every 20 minutes, Camps said.
"Workers keep an eye on one another to make sure everyone is OK and to prevent injuries," Camps said. "Supervisors come around to do checks."
More ventilation, cooling areas and a rotation schedule for workers would improve safety, Camps said.
"It is understood that work must be done," Camps said, "and production must continue, but that must happen without endangering the health of employees."
ASC Engineered Solutions, Anvil International's parent company, did not return a request for comment.
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