Record high heat has tracked throughout our nation this summer, and farms must operate no matter the weather conditions. Farmers often place priority on their animals in the hot weather and end up ignoring their own health needs. On an AgriSafe Network “Talking Total Farmer Health” podcast episode titled “How farmers can beat the heat this summer,” host Linda Emanuel welcomed Teresa Andrews of the University of California, Davis to share her knowledge on the implications of the summer heat.
Working at the university’s Western Center for Agriculture Health and Safety, Andrews talked about the severity of this heat. “It’s not something to take lightly. Heat illness could kill someone,” she stated. Each year there are reportedly 1,500 individuals across the nation that pass away due to heat-related illnesses, the two most common being heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat illness can affect anyone, regardless of age or medical history. In this extreme weather, it’s imperative to take the proper precautions to prevent any heat-related injuries. Andrews emphasized three key steps to preventing heat illness: shade, water, and rest.
Recharging the night before a long day by taking a cold shower and rehydrating reduces potential risk of heat illness. Prior to getting to work, it’s recommended to check the weather for the day. Anticipating the weather conditions heightens employee understanding regarding what clothes to wear and what to expect. Andrews suggested wearing long sleeve shirts, long pants, and a hat that fits loosely and is made of breathable material. Although it may seem counterintuitive, this attire prevents sun exposure on skin, and the air between clothing layers helps to regulate body temperature.
Symptoms of heat illness often go underrecognized. Paying attention to co-worker behavior and your own body cues can help identify heat illness early on when it’s easy to treat. Symptoms of both heat stroke and exhaustion include dizziness, headache, weakness, shaking, nausea, and fainting. Specifically regarding heat stroke, a symptom of severe illness is sweating stopping completely. At inexorable dehydration, the body decides between allocating water to body function or to sweating, which results in no sweat at all.
The problems brought by hot weather conditions are many, but the answer to almost all of them is simple: drink water. Andrews credits water to being the number one source of hydration, stating, “Seventy-five percent of our body is water. If we think of the cells at the micro level, they need water.” When working outside in the heat, drink at least 32 ounces of water per hour.
If noticing any signs of heat illness in co-workers, help them cool off. Andrews suggested taking them to shade, giving them water in small sips, fanning the person, and having them remove any heavy layers of clothing. Monitor the person until they feel better and report the situation to a supervisor for further action.
