With dangerously high temperatures predicted for the Lowcountry, both humans and horses working outdoors are taking extra precautions to stay healthy. Charleston’s carriage tour industry, which heavily relies on horses for its daily tours, has implemented a variety of safety measures to protect both the four-legged workers and their human counterparts. Palmetto Carriage Works, a leading company in the area, is at the forefront of these efforts, ensuring that their animals and staff stay cool and safe during the hottest months of the year.
Preparing for the Heat: Horse Safety Measures
As temperatures soar in Charleston, the safety and well-being of the horses used in the carriage tour industry are top priorities. Mary Edwards, the manager at Palmetto Carriage Works, shared that the company is well-prepared for the summer heat, having stocked up on cooling supplies such as mister fans and coolers. “We amp up in the Summertime with our staff in the barn,” Edwards explained. “We have tons of mister-fans. Coolers.”
While the heat is nothing new to the company, they continue to innovate in ways to prevent heat-related illnesses for their animals. One of the key developments has been the creation of a digital tool to monitor the workload and well-being of each horse. “With our animals, we go more in-depth since they can’t just tell us they’re hot,” Edwards said. The tool helps the company monitor each horse’s temperature and sweating levels after every tour to ensure they are not overheating.
Horses are also provided with time to cool off under fans and given water treatments to help regulate their body temperature. If a horse’s temperature becomes too high, the system alerts managers, and they are able to give the horse longer breaks or even end the workday early to prevent heat stress.
A Perfect Safety Record
Edwards expressed pride in the company’s commitment to animal safety, stating, “Because of our system, we have a 100 percent perfect record. We’ve never had a heat-related incident due to something we could have prevented.” This perfect safety record is a testament to the company’s dedication to ensuring that both horses and humans are well cared for during the hot summer months.
Keeping Human Workers Safe
The safety measures at Palmetto Carriage Works extend beyond the horses to their human crew members, who are also exposed to the intense summer heat. Edwards explained that the company provides staff with ice machines and refill stations for water bottles. “It’s just all about staying hydrated,” she said. Workers are encouraged to take breaks whenever needed and to seek shade when possible, especially if they are outside selling tickets.
By prioritizing hydration and offering breaks from the heat, the company ensures that human workers can safely perform their duties without the risk of heat-related illnesses. The ability for workers to notify managers if they need a break helps maintain a supportive work environment where safety comes first.
The efforts made by Palmetto Carriage Works to protect both their animals and human workers during the summer heat showcase a strong commitment to safety and well-being. From innovative technology to routine cooling practices, the company is doing everything it can to prevent heat-related incidents, ensuring that both horses and staff can continue to operate safely during the hottest months of the year. As Charleston experiences record temperatures, these precautions help create a safer environment for everyone involved in the carriage tour industry.
