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Combating Heat and Cold Stress for Forestry Workers

Forestry workers may be subject to extreme heat and cold. Working outdoors makes people more likely to become dehydrated and experience heat-related illness or heat stress. High temperatures reduce work capacity and may lead to heat stress and dehydration. Although exposure to heat stress is preventable, thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure every year, and some cases are fatal.  Similarly, cold weather can reduce dexterity, blood flow, muscle strength, and balance. Hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains are all illnesses and injuries caused by cold stress. However, forestry workers can avoid heat-related illness and cold stress with proper information and preventative action. This presentation will explore both weather-related conditions and their impact on outdoor workers.

Invest in Your Health Heat-Related Illness Guidebook

Text equivalent of “Invest in Your Health: Heat Related Illness Guidebook” This guidebook is part of the Invest in Your Health “Heat-Related Illness” curriculum for ag educators. Click “view” toRead More

Heat and Wildfire Smoke Exposure Among Agricultural Workers: Examining Exposure Risk and Potential Strategies to Protect Workers

Heat and wildfire smoke has become a persistent health threat for agriculture workers. This webinar will focus on understanding the risks of exposure to wildfire smoke and heat and potential strategies for protecting agricultural workers. In addition, participants will learn about a unique research partnership utilized to co-develop and communicate safety and health information to agricultural workers.  

Invest in Your Health: Stay Cool! Prevention of Heat-Related Illness in Agriculture (November 17, 2020)

This Train the Trainer course is designed for teachers, Extension staff, 4H and FFA leaders and others who work with young adults. Agriculture is ranked as one of the most dangerous occupations and involves workers and family members of all ages. Illness and injuries can be prevented if we use the right protective equipment for the job. This program will present an overview of common exposures in farming and ranching and identify appropriate personal protective equipment.

Practical Solutions for Heat-Related Illness Prevention for Agriculture (April 7, 2021)

Agricultural workers are at high risk of heat-related illness and recent field studies point to specific risk factors and solutions. This webinar is intended to prepare agricultural safety and health professionals for the upcoming summer season. We will share practical and evidence-based solutions for the prevention of heat-related illness in the agricultural work environment.

Women and Heat Stress

People who work outdoors are more likely to become dehydrated and experience heat-related illness or heat stress. Although illness from exposure to heat is preventable, thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure every year, and some cases are fatal. Agriculture is an industry where workers have suffered heat-related illnesses. Specific groups within the agricultural community, including pregnant women, older workers, and young children, could have elevated risks related to prolonged heat and humidity exposure. However, with proper information and preventative action, heat-related illness can be avoided for all populations in the agricultural community.