Evacuation orders expanded near Ely, air quality alert for most of Minnesota

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Just before 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning, the temperature was already pushing 80 degrees near downtown St. Paul, where Michael New was working on construction at the John Ireland Bridge. He wears long sleeves, a face mask and sunglasses on days like this. 

“I would recommend keeping your skin covered so the sun isn’t beating on your skin, wear wicking material, I prefer a face mask just to keep the sun off me,” said New. 

New says he plans to drink a lot of water and get in the shade when he can. He and other outdoor workers in farming, forestry, delivery and construction will be outside in extreme heat this week.  

Stacy Arnold is director of safety for the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota. She spoked with Minnesota Now host Nina Moini about how she works to help employers in construction adopt safer practices around heat and other hazards.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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As director of safety for the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota, Stacy Arnold helps employers in construction adopt safer practices around working in the heat. 

In extreme heat, constructions workers still report for duty. How they're staying safe

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