Be safe in the heat

Strenuous work in hot conditions can lead to heat stroke, dehydration and sunburn. The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association provides a few tips to manage the heat:

–Wear lightweight clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Heavy clothing and some personal protective equipment can greatly increase the amount of heat stress on the body. Make the necessary adjustments to compensate for this.
–Work in the shade whenever possible and take breaks more frequently. Rotate indoor and outdoor work activities to allow time to recover with work in a cooler environment.
–Long sleeves and pants will help protect you from sunburn.
–Drink more fluids. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.
–Reduce the pace of work, get help or use a mechanical aid to do strenuous jobs. Reschedule jobs for a cooler time of day.
–If you are on medication, have pre-existing medical conditions, are pregnant or of senior years, then you may be more susceptible to heat stress and should consult with your physician.

Symptoms:
–Complaints of sudden and severe fatigue, nausea, dizziness, light-headedness or fainting. may or may not include sweating.
–Feeling disoriented, confused or irritable. (They also add “Flu-like symptoms”).
–Never ignore symptoms.

Treatment:
–Move to a cool or shaded area, lie down and loosen clothing. –Take sips of cool water or a commercial fluid replacement beverage to replenish electrolytes.
–Cool skin with a moist cloth.
–DO NOT allow the victim to drink alcohol or smoke.
–Seek medical attention and transport victim to a medical care facility as soon as possible.

Read the complete CASA bulletin here