Summer Safety: Preventing Heat Stroke

We all know that summer farm safety is an important topic.

In addition to farm safety tips concerning tractors, chemicals, and livestock, make sure you don’t overlook heat stress prevention tips as well. Summer is typically one of a farmer’s busiest times, and there is little time or ability to slow down or take a break during the heat of the day… same goes for our Redline Equipment staff! Heat illness in agriculture is a common occurrence, but it can be prevented by following heat safety tips and keeping summer farm safety top of mind.

Take steps to keep safe and healthy during hot weather

Summer's high temperatures and humidity can add an element of danger to farm work, according to Amanda Marney, agriculture preparedness specialist, University of Missouri Extension. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real risks for people exposed to excessive heat.

Heat can cause direct harm if you get so hot your body can't handle it. It adds to the stress that can be a big contributor to farm accidents. This is even truer when you can hardly see because of sweat dripping into your eyes.

Think about safety basics on the farm to help keep you safe during hot weather:

1. Think about safety basics.
2. Make sure all tractors have rollover protection.
3. Replace missing shields.
4. Maintain and use lights, flashers and reflectors on machines.
5. Replace slow-moving vehicle signs as needed.
6. Keep machinery in good working order.
7. Know and follow confined-space safety rules.
8. Drink plenty of water before you feel thirsty.
9. Plan work around the heat; avoid strenuous work if it is very hot; save it for a cooler day.
10. Learn basic first aid, CPR and emergency response.

Heat Stress Explained

The summer’s heat causes health problems when the body’s mechanisms for cooling are interrupted. The body perspires so the sweat can evaporate and cool the body. If a person is dehydrated, their body is not able to produce sweat. Similarly, if the outside air is humid, the sweat cannot evaporate; it sits on the skin and actually increases the body’s temperature. In either instance, heat exhaustion or heat stroke can occur.

Heat exhaustion is marked by cool skin that is pale and clammy, dizziness, headaches, cramps, nausea/vomiting, weakness, confusion, and unconsciousness. It is caused by dehydration and loss of the salts and electrolytes that the body needs to function. Heat stroke is a medical emergency where the body is unable to cool itself at all. Characteristics of heat stroke include skin that is hot and dry, a high body temperature, changes in behavior like confusion or anger, chills, nausea, dizziness, unconsciousness, convulsions, and delirium. Heat stroke could cause death if not treated.

In both cases, the sufferer should be moved to a cool area, given fluids if conscious, and have excess clothing removed. In the case of heat stroke, it’s advised to try to cool the person by applying cool (not ice cold) water to their skin. Medical professionals should be called in either case.

Heat Safety Tips

The best treatment for heat exhaustion and heat stroke is to avoid the conditions altogether. Young children, the elderly, and those with health issues are more susceptible to heat stress especially in outdoor settings. Theses heat safety tips are a good way to avoid heat stroke:

• Make sure all farm workers and employees know about preventing heat stroke.
• Plan 15-minute breaks in a cooled area or shade at least every two hours of work. Take an extended break at the hottest part of the day.
• Schedule strenuous work, or that which requires personal protective equipment, for early morning and evening hours.
• Gradually adjust to working in the heat.
• Drink one cup of water for every 15 to 30 minutes working in the heat.
• Avoid eating or drinking caffeine, alcohol, and sugary items because they increase dehydration.
• Wear cool clothes. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of natural fibers such as cotton will help you stay cool.
• A wide-brimmed hat can help you stay comfortable in addition to shielding your face and neck from the sun and use sunscreen.
• Know if your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications might make you more susceptible to heat stroke.
• If you have a chronic health condition, get clearance from your doctor to work in hot and humid environments.

Redline Equipment supports the health of farmers, ranchers AND our Redliners. The financial health of agribusiness is important, but the physical health of those who work on the farm is of the utmost importance.