Key Takeaways:
- The Risk: Farmers are 35x more likely to die from heat than other workers.
- The Signs: Dizziness, dark urine, muscle cramps, and “not acting like yourself.”
- The Fix: Prioritize hydration, wear protective clothing, and monitor coworkers.
Agricultural workers are up to 35 times more likely to die from heat-related illnesses than workers in other industries, reports the National Institute of Health.
Darrell Hemker, associate director of safety for The Maschhoffs, believes farmers and caretakers understand the hazards of their line of work, especially in the summer when temperatures rise.
“But sometimes their dedication and passion for getting the job done overtakes them once in a while and they put themselves at risk,” says Hemker, who brings 16 years of safety leadership at The Maschhoffs to these recommendations.
What are the early warning signs of heat stress?
It’s easy to lose track of time in the barn. Just as you are wrapping up one job, something else needs your attention. Hemker says little things like not stopping to take a drink of water can turn into a problem fast on hot summer days.
“Before you know it, you may have some signs of heat stress,” Hemker says.
Recognizing early symptoms of heat stress is vital as temperatures fluctuate. One way to tell if you are not getting enough water is to check your urine, he adds.
“As a kid, we’re always taught if our urine is really dark, we’re not drinking enough water,” Hemker says. “It’s really that simple. Being able to recognize your current state and if you have any of those symptoms is important.”
Common symptoms of heat illness on the farm include:
- Headache and dizziness
- Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration)
- Muscle cramping or weakness
- Hot, dry skin or excessive sweating
- Irritability or confusion
How can you identify heat exhaustion in your coworkers?
It’s also important to keep an eye on your coworkers in the barn to see if they are exhibiting any of those signs of heat stress, Hemker says. Continuous strenuous activity significantly elevates core body temperatures which makes barnworkers at high risk.
“If you notice something, pull them aside and remind them to get some water and move to a cooler area,” he urges.
Dizziness or excessive sweatiness can put everyone in the barn at risk, especially when using tools or equipment.
When any of these symptoms are present, promptly provide first aid, recommends the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Do not try to diagnose which illness is occurring. Diagnosis is often difficult because symptoms of multiple heat-related illnesses can occur together. Time is of the essence. These conditions can worsen quickly and result in fatalities.
Grab a Hat Before You Go Outside
Beyond hydration, physical protection is the best defense against UV radiation. Hemker recommends four primary strategies:
1. Wear the right gear.
Choose light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
2. Apply sunscreen.
Take an extra minute to apply sunscreen before heading outside and reapply during the day, especially during peak afternoon hours.
3. Time your tasks.
Avoid peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) for heavy outdoor labor when possible.
4. Check your medications.
Be aware that common farm-used drugs like Tetracycline or Ibuprofen can increase sun sensitivity. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the drugs that can increase sensitivity to sunlight and the risk of getting sunburn here.
“Remember what the physical hazards can be when working in a hot environment,” he says. “We’ve been getting some roller coaster weather, so it’s a perfect timing to remind our fellow producers about heat stress. Hopefully we can put that seed of thought in somebody’s mind to make them think twice about working in those environments and what they need to do to stay safe.”
