Beat the Heat (Stress)

When temperatures rise, landscape workers need to take precautions to avoid heat emergencies.

As the chill of winter melts away, the landscape industry gears up for the busy season. Along with increased activity however, the warmer temperatures bring increased risks including the threat of heat-related health emergencies. Considerable physical activity under the hot sun can lead to heat stress, which can then cause heat cramps and rashes, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, even death.

The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include: muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, irritability, extreme thirst, nausea or vomiting, pale skin, heavy sweating and fainting.

In cases of heatstroke, which can be life-threatening, all the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion may be present, plus a body temperature over 105 F, irrational behavior, confusion, rapid, shallow breathing, rapid, weak pulse, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Each year, heat-related illnesses affect five to 10 million workers according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

"Heat-related illnesses can jeopardize a worker's safety and business productivity and even lead to an OSHA recordable injury," says John Amann, the vice president of first aid & safety at Cintas, a company that provides businesses with products and services including several for first aid, safety, and fire protection.

Here are some tips on ways to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Dress properly: wear a hat and lightweight, light-colored and loose clothing, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) that has moisture wicking properties.

Drink fluids frequently: one quart of cool water per hour but no more than 3 gallons per day is recommended for workers dealing with extreme heat. Beverages with electrolytes are great for replenishing the body with minerals. Avoid sodas, caffeinated beverages including energy drinks and alcohol.

Take additional breaks in cool, shaded areas.

Eat light and right: limit the intake of large, hot meals but try not to skip meals, since the main way the body recovers electrolytes lost through perspiration is from food.

Identify situations in your work environment that can increase heat exposure.

Closely monitor any medical conditions that can be aggravated by heat.

And work as a team: encourage each other to maintain proper heat stress prevention techniques and watch for signs of heat stress in your co-workers.

If heat stress does occur, first determine its extent by asking the person simple questions - their name, the date and where they are. If the individual is cognizant, he is probably just experiencing heat exhaustion. Move the worker to a cooler area, loosen heavy clothing, provide drinking water and fan or mist them with water. If the individual seems disoriented, call 911 immediately. Then take the steps detailed above.

Embracing this advice will help landscape contractors and their crews enjoy a rewarding, safe summer season.