Total Landscape Care Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/85706
Tear out & share with your crew Heat Exhaustion BY OLIVIA GRIDER Avoid potentially fatal situations by staying hydrated, dressing appropriately and knowing the symptoms of heat-related illness THE ACCIDENT: A 41-year-old landscape worker collapses on the way to his car after a day of sawing boards to make concrete forms for a large patio at a community recreation center. The temperature reaches 90-degrees Fahrenheit, and the man is wearing heavy blue jeans, a T-shirt and a long-sleeved, heavy shirt. When emer- gency personnel arrive, they cut off his clothes and pour water over his chest and stomach. The worker's body temperature is 108-degrees Fahr- enheit when he reaches the hospital, and he dies the following day of heat stroke. THE BOTTOM LINE: Heat stress is one of the top hazards of concern to the landscape and horticultural industry, according to OSHA. Dehy- dration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke – which can be fatal – are a progressive series of condi- tions that occur when the body is unable to cool itself by sweating. Because physical labor causes the body to generate heat and lose fl uids rapidly, you face an TIP "Do strenuous work early in the day, rest often, drink plenty of water and wear light-colored, cotton clothing." – Craig Clark, vice president, Henry Dunn Insurance increased risk of heat-related illness compared to someone who is only exposed to hot tempera- tures. To help keep your body cool, wear light- weight, light-colored, loose-fi tting clothing and a loose, wide-brimmed hat. Drinking coffee or soda with caffeine rather than water is a common mistake landscape workers make, says Craig Clark, a vice president specializing in the green industry at Henry Dunn Insurance. Drink approximately 1 cup of water every 15 minutes, and avoid alcohol and caffein- ated drinks even the day prior to working in a hot environment. Know the signs/symptoms of heat-related ill- ness, and call 911 if you suspect a co-worker is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke: Dehydration – Decreased perspiration, thirst, headache, dark-colored urine Heat exhaustion – Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, weakness, irritability, confusion, vomiting Heat stroke – No perspiration, bizarre or combative behavior, loss of vision or consciousness, convulsions June 2012 / TOTAL LANDSCAPE CARE