Last updated on December 19th, 2024 at 03:42 pm
Heat Related Illness Resources
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.
Heat Related Illness Resources
Fact Sheets
| ID | Title | Summary | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12755 | Enfermedades producidas por el calor | This is a Spanish language AgriSafe resource guide on how to identify and prevent Heat Related Illnesses. | |
| 9378 | Heat-Related Illnesses | This is an AgriSafe resource guide on how to identify and prevent Heat Related Illnesses. | |
| 19352 | How Farmers Can Beat the Heat this Summer | episode of Talking Total Farmer Health | |
| 9380 | NIOSH Fast Facts: Protecting Yourself From Heat Stress | A NIOSH guide to protecting yourself from Heat Stress. |
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
