Heat Related Illness

Last updated on December 19th, 2024 at 03:42 pm

Heat Related Illness (HRI) or Heat Stress is a unique concern for outdoor workers. HRI is an umbrella term for conditions that result from prolonged exposure to heat and humidity without frequent breaks or adequate fluid intake. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) mentions the following types of HRI: heat stroke, heat exhaustion, rhabdomyolysis, heat syncope, heat cramps, and heat rash.

Special populations within the agricultural community may have elevated risk of complications from the heat. Older workers may have more difficulty regulating body temperature. Young children sweat less and produce heat more quickly than adults. In addition, farm workers may be working far from water or shade, may be compensated in a way that discourages taking a break, and may be fearful of reporting symptoms of heat related illness to supervisors.

HRI and Fatality Prevention Suggestions (OSHA, Water. Rest. Shade.):

• Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty.
• Rest in the shade to cool down.
• Wear a hat and light-colored clothing.
• Learn the signs of heat illness and what to do in an emergency.
• Keep an eye on fellow workers.
• Take it easy on your first days working in the heat – your body needs time to adjust.

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Heat Related Illness Resources

Fact Sheets

ID	Title	Summary	Link
12755	Enfermedades producidas por el calor	Last updated on February 14th, 2025 at 03:27 pm This is a Spanish language AgriSafe resource guide on how to identify and prevent Heat-Related Illnesses. Haga clic en “view” para…	View
9378	Heat-Related Illnesses	Last updated on June 24th, 2025 at 05:14 pm This is an AgriSafe resource guide on how to identify and prevent Heat Related Illnesses. Spanish Title: Enfermedades producidas por el…	View
19352	How Farmers Can Beat the Heat this Summer	Last updated on June 11th, 2024 at 12:29 pm episode of Talking Total Farmer Health…	View
9380	NIOSH Fast Facts: Protecting Yourself From Heat Stress	Last updated on July 1st, 2024 at 04:41 pm A NIOSH guide to protecting yourself from Heat Stress. Text equivalent of NIOSH guide to protecting yourself from heat stress….	View

Webinars

Webinar Title	Summary	Link

Websites and Apps

• Heat Illness
• Heat-Related Deaths — United States, 2004–2018
• Heat Related Illness
• OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App
• Water. Rest. Shade. Keeping Workers Safe in the Heat
• Heat Illness Prevention Cards, Posters, Brochures, and Fact Sheets

Page updated: July 2024