Stay Hydrated to Avoid Heat Illness
By Mike Felix, SCF Arizona and Liz Foster, Arizona Farm Bureau
Daily triple-digit temperatures are here, which means it’s time to acclimate to the hotter weather to stay safe and prevent heat-related illnesses.
"It's easy to be involved in an activity outside and not realize you're becoming dehydrated,” warned Claudia Baker, loss control manager at SCF Arizona.
Staying hydrated is the first and most important step to keep from getting a heat illness, she said.
Working in the heat, the average worker can lose up to three gallons of sweat. This is especially true when working outside on the farm, dairy or ranch. To offset this loss, the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety suggests that workers drink five to seven ounces of fluids every 15 to 20 minutes and to avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which cause dehydration.
“Rather than wait for warning signs, plan ahead and drink plenty of fluids on a regular basis,” Baker said.
In addition to staying hydrated, farm and ranch workers should avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, if possible, and protect themselves from the heat. Dairies, feedlots and other operations begin the day long before the sun comes up to avoid the hottest part of the day and to keep livestock calm when temperatures rise.
If you have to work outside in the heat, take these precautions: Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. Wearing a hat or some type of shade adds additional protection.
It’s important to recognize that heat illnesses can occur despite the best preparation, so knowing their symptoms is essential. Heat illnesses progress in stages, beginning with cramps, which can be painful and can develop into heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion signs include:
o Cool, moist, pale skin
o Headache
o Dizziness and weakness or exhaustion
o Nausea
Signs of the late-stage heat stroke include:
o Vomiting
o Decreased alertness or loss of consciousness
o High body temperature (sometimes as high as 105 F.)
o Continued moist skin, or the victim may stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and dry
o Rapid, weak pulse
o Rapid, shallow breathing
While it is not always possible to avoid work and strenuous activity in the heat, it is possible to take precautions. To order SCF Arizona’s information regarding heat illnesses and what precautions you can take, go to scfaz.com/corporate/corp_safety_dl.php
