OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Rain for Rent is working with the city to install a large pump. One worker we talked with says safety is a priority and they have rules in place to make sure they're safe.
- "We have to get things done but not at the risk of health and human safety,” said Jim Theiler, assistant director of public works.
- City crews and other workers take extra breaks and drink lots of water to stay safe.
- Rain for Rent said all the pumps should be up and ready by the end of Tuesday.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Points close to the river, including near Lewis and Clark Landing Park are blocked off and just a few feet away crews are in place to protect the city.
"We have to get things done but not at the risk of health and human safety,” said Jim Theiler, assistant director of public works.
They're working through dangerous heat and humidity.
"We are installing multiple pump systems up and down the levy and right here,” said Andrew Schaeffer, branch manager for Rain for Rent.
Rain for Rent is working with the city to install a large pump. It will move water from the dry side of the wall into the river, in case it rains or water flows over the top.
But this work takes time.
"What would you say is the biggest challenge to working in this heat? reporter Molly Hudson asked. "Just trying to find a way to, as safely and quickly as possible, get these systems up and running, just making sure you don't cut any corners and you know do things the right way and make sure everybody goes home safe,” Schaeffer said.
Schaeffer said safety is a priority.
"We train for this, we take numerous safety classes about heat injury, illness and prevention," Schaeffer said.
And they have rules in place to make sure they're safe.
"Every person working out in this heat needs to drink a quart of water an hour and that we constantly go and check up on one another, also everyone needs to have access to shade or air conditioning," Schaeffer said.
It's the same for the city crews, Omaha Public Works said they are taking frequent breaks too, drinking lots of water and stressing safety while getting the work done.
Rain for Rent said all the pumps should be up and ready by the end of Tuesday.
