by Zachariah Rutledge

Every year, thousands of workers in the U.S. become sick from occupational heat exposure, and dozens of people die from heat-related illnesses.

Most of these cases occur within the first few days of working in warm or hot environments because the human body needs time to acclimate and build tolerance to the heat. Heat-related illnesses can occur indoors or outdoors and during any season of the year. 

Farm work typically involves repetitious physical tasks, which are often strenuous in nature. Farm employees who perform physical labor in high-temperature environments are at increased risk of heat-related health dangers.

Heat-related illnesses differ in terms of their severity and symptoms, which may include heat rash, sunburn, heat cramps, dizziness and fainting. Heat-related muscle breakdown, called rhabdomyolysis or “rhabdo,” heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are serious illnesses that can be fatal.

Farmers and farm employees who understand the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and provide first aid in a timely manner can reduce the chance of symptoms worsening and help prevent employee fatalities. Diagnosis of specific heat-related illnesses is difficult, and some employees may experience multiple heat-related illnesses at the same time.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends immediately administering first aid to employees who are suffering from heat-related symptoms instead of trying to diagnose which illness the employee has. When in doubt, assist in cooling the employee down and call 911. OSHA also recommends following these first-aid principles to help employees who are experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness:

Types of heat illnesses and their symptoms

Details about certain types of severe heat-related illnesses, their common symptoms and more OSHA-recommended first-aid tips are listed below:

Heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when a person’s temperature regulating system fails, and their body temperature rises above 104 degrees F. Signs of heat stroke include confusion, slurred speech, seizures and loss of consciousness. Workers experiencing heat stroke may stop sweating. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can result in death.

If an employee shows signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately. While waiting for medical help to arrive:

Heat-related muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis). Heat-related muscle breakdown, commonly referred to as “rhabdo,” results from a combination of dehydration and overheating. Heat is a catalyst for muscle breakdown, which causes certain muscle components such as potassium to leak into the blood stream.

Normally, the kidneys remove these components from the blood, and they are released during urination. However, when a person has not had enough fluids, the kidneys cannot dispose of this waste, which can lead to kidney failure and death. Symptoms of rhabdo include extremely sore and weak muscles, muscle swelling and dark urine.

Here is what to do if an employee shows signs of rhabdo:

Arrange for the employee to receive medical attention right away. If rhabdo is treated early, most employees are able to return to work within a few days.

Heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion occurs when a person’s body temperature rises above 100.4 degrees F, and they experience one or more of the following symptoms: heavy sweating, thirst, irritability, dizziness, headaches, nausea, weakness or confusion.  While heat exhaustion is generally not life threatening, it can lead to heat stroke if not treated.

Here is what do to if an employee shows signs of heat exhaustion:

Prevent illnesses before they occur

Agricultural employers must abide by OSHA’s Field Sanitation Standards, which require agricultural establishments with 11 or more hand laborers in any field on any given day to provide cool, potable drinking water to workers in the field at no cost.

Drinking containers must be covered and regularly cleaned. Employers also have to provide enough drinking water for all employees in locations that are readily accessible to all employees. Employers must provide single-use cups or drinking fountains. Employers are responsible for notifying each employee where the water is located.

Employers can help reduce their employees’ risk of experiencing heat-related health problems by taking some of the following actions:

While you may not be able to fully prevent employees from experiencing heat-related illnesses, understanding what the symptoms are and what to do if an employee experiences them can help you promote a safer work environment and possibly save a life.

Rutledge is an assistant professor, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Michigan State University Extension.

Source: MSU Extension