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Three AEP Workers Treated for Heat Exhaustion
By: Tom Hodson
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American Electric Power (AEP) announced this morning that, to date, three of its line workers have sought treatment for heat exhaustion while repairing the massive electrical outages caused by last Friday’s storms.
Two were in the Columbus area and one in western Ohio, according to Pablo Vegas, president and chief operating officer for AEP.
All three checked in to local hospitals. All were treated and released.
Heat exhaustion has been a major concern, according to Vegas. He said it is a problem that can sneak up on a worker and hit them without much notice. The 5,000 crews from multiple states and Canada are taking preventative measures in the field to protect against the heat but crew members are required to wear heavy gear that exacerbates the potential problem, Vegas said.
No injuries have been reported so far from fallen power lines or other debris.