As Local 23 members face a brutal heat wave ahead, here are a few reminders about how you can best keep yourself safe and hydrated on the job. Construction is one of the highest-risk industries for heat-related illness because workers often perform heavy physical labor outdoors, wear PPE that limits cooling, and may work on surfaces that reflect or radiate heat. But we don’t have to tell you that it’s hot. Here’s how you can beat the heat, and a bit about how the union has your back.

We look to OSHA guidelines on heat safety and one of the most important things you can do is stay hydrated – drink plenty of water and be sure to take breaks as needed.

OSHA recommends:

• Water every 15–20 minutes
• Frequent rest and breaks
• Shade or cooling areas
• Acclimatization programs
• Emergency response plans

Outside of those recommendations, BAC staff will be visiting job sites all across the tri-state area in the next week with Gatorade and cold water. So if you see a field rep, be sure to say hi and grab a beverage to cool down!

It’s better in a union.

Time and time again, studies show that union workplaces are safer and have higher standards for working conditions than their non-union counterparts. That means more breaks, more respect on the job and accountability for poor practices. During this heat wave, please do not hesitate to reach out to your field rep or the office to report any poor conditions. Your job is to bring your skilled union craftsmanship to the jobsite – our job is to have your back and keep you safe.

Stay cool, brothers and sisters.

Did you catch last week’s Union Solidarity? We shared a great video that dove into the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947, a law designed to weaken organized labor’s power.

Every week we share short videos about union history, labor rights and more. A perfect quick watch while on lunch break or when you’re winding down at home after a shift! Learning about our history and our rights makes our union stronger. Knowledge is power!

Didn’t get last week’s text? Reach out to the office here and they will make sure you’re on the Local 23 texting list.

Get ready for a fun day on Sunday, September 6 with family, friends and fellow members at Cedar Point and King’s Island!

As a BAC Local 23 member, you are eligible to redeem up to 4 all-inclusive tickets that include Park & Water Park Admission, parking, a catered meal and a drink wristband at either King’s Island or Cedar Point.

Last year, we had a great turnout so hey let’s get together again and have even more fun this year.

The deadline to request tickets is August 23, 2026. Use your IU# as your gift code to redeem your tickets. *Omit beginning “0”s in IU#*

Here are the details for each park:

King’s Island:
www.visitkingsisland.com/save
Username: BAC23
Password: ORION?
The picnic meal will be served from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m on Sunday, Sept. 6.

Cedar Point
www.cedarpoint.com/save
Username: cpbricklayers
Password: bricklayers
The picnic meal will be served from 1:30 p.m to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6.

Great turnout at the Central Ohio Retiree Luncheon last week!