FA R M
L A B O R
I N F O R M AT I O N
B U L L E T I N
Voice of the Fields California
May 2018
FREE
Volume 28, Number 5
Heat Illness Prevention
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ANY PEOPLE ARE EXPOSED to heat on the job, both in outdoor and indoor environments. Jobs involving high air temperatures, radiant heat sources, high humidity, direct physical contact with hot objects, or strenuous physical activities can cause heat-related illness.
Workers in every sector are susceptible to heat-related illness. Jobs performed in hot weather and direct sun have an exceptionally high risk of causing heat-related illness. This includes farm work, construction, landscaping, etc. In fact, over 40% of heat-related worker deaths occur in the construction industry. Indoor operations also have the potential to cause heat-related illness. This includes workplaces such as bakeries, confectioneries, commercial kitchens,
laundries, food canneries, etc. Each year, thousands of workers become ill, and dozens die, while working in extreme heat or humid conditions. There are a variety of different heat illnesses that can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition. Heat-related illness range from heat rash and cramps all the way to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Hot environments can be hazardous because they stop the body from getting rid of excess heat. This causes an increase in the body’s core temperature and heart rate. As the body continues to store heat, the person will begin to lose concentration. They might become irritable or sick, and often lose the desire to drink. The next stage is fainting, and sometimes death if the body is not cooled down. It is important to know the symptoms and first aid protocols for heat-related illnesses.
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