Good morning brothers and sisters,

The summer is in full swing, and the work outlook is good for both drywall and paint. With that being said, we have also been experiencing record heat levels. We need to look out for one another when we are out in the field. July has set record highs in Conta Costa region with temperatures above 107 degrees. Millions of U.S. workers are exposed to heat in their workplaces. Although illness from exposure to heat is preventable, every year, thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure, and some cases are fatal.

 Most outdoor fatalities, 50% to 70%, occur in the first few days of working in warm or hot environments because the body needs to build a tolerance to the heat gradually over time. The process of building tolerance is called heat acclimatization. Lack of acclimatization represents a major risk factor for fatal outcomes.

We are approaching the end of the month of July the work is picking up and our out of work list for industrial painters is empty and work is picking up for drywall and commercial painters. Please let the local know if you are out of work so we can get you on the out of work list. And the members can reach out to the contractors if you are available for work. If you need to update your certifications, please do so you are available for work. Please contact me if you need help with anything.

Sincerely,

Dustin Spurgeon
Local Union 741 Business Representative