Sad, but true. My employer has a shop floor where the heat was, in fact, brutal. I personally raised a fuss about the heat, being one of the people deputized as first aid providers and having seen a few things that worried me. Thankfully, management responded and the guys got some more swamp coolers, as well as these things you soak in cool water and put around your neck, which improved things.
So yes, especially this year with all those heat warnings, miserably hot 100+ degree work floors, mandatory overtime and constant use of temps, harsh conditions are, unfortunately, quite normal for that kind of environment.
That said, just because it's normal, that doesn't mean that it shouldn't be improved. If you have to make a fuss, you should. There are a ton of people out there who simply can't afford to make waves in this economy and they're suffering for it. The people who can best afford to make waves need to if they see unsafe conditions.
Those water absorbing polymer beads/bands around the neck are life-saver. They cool down the body temperature slowly overtime. Last time I hiked in Grand Canyon during summer, it was 110 degree. Those water beads really help to cool down.
I badgered one guy into wearing one. I noticed a big improvement in his condition, whether he did or not.
You're right that they help a LOT. I think we were able to get a bunch at a dollar store for some ridiculously cheap price. I can't believe that more places don't use them.
So yes, especially this year with all those heat warnings, miserably hot 100+ degree work floors, mandatory overtime and constant use of temps, harsh conditions are, unfortunately, quite normal for that kind of environment.
That said, just because it's normal, that doesn't mean that it shouldn't be improved. If you have to make a fuss, you should. There are a ton of people out there who simply can't afford to make waves in this economy and they're suffering for it. The people who can best afford to make waves need to if they see unsafe conditions.