Rutgers Cooperative Extension
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The Rutgers NJAES factsheet on “Preventing Heat Stress in Agriculture” has been updated and is now available at https://njaes.rutgers.edu/FS747/. The factsheet provides basic knowledge about heat stress, first-aid treatment, and preventative measures that are important to both agricultural employers and workers. As the temperatures warm up, it’s time to get prepared for working in the heat!
Several types of heat-related illnesses can affect workers and symptoms may be non-specific. When a worker is performing physical labor in warm environments, any unusual symptom may be a sign of heat illness. The chart below from OSHA outlines symptoms and signs that may indicate heat stress. Note that common signs and symptoms include muscle pain, weakness or fatigue, dizziness, heavy sweating, and rapid heart rate.
|
Heat-Related Illness |
Symptoms and Signs |
|
Heat stroke |
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| Heat exhaustion |
|
| Heat cramps |
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| Heat syncope |
|
| Heat rash |
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| Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) |
|
Employers and workers should become aware of symptoms related to heat stress and heat illness. In addition, knowing what to do when someone is showing signs of heat illness is very important. This resource from NIOSH describes the appropriate first aid for each of these illnesses. Prompt action to provide first aid can make a difference in recovery of persons with heat illness. Multiple heat-related illnesses can occur together, and time is of the essence.
When in doubt, place the worker in a cool environment and call 911.
The body uses water to help dissipate heat through sweat and evaporation of sweat. Water lost as sweat must be replaced through water consumption to help the body maintain temperature regulation. During moderate activity, the CDC recommends drinking at least 1 cup of water every 15-20 minutes to replace water lost through sweat.
Sports drinks are likely unnecessary to replenish the body’s electrolytes when adequate hydration is combined with regular meals. However, sports drinks may be beneficial to help balance the body’s water and electrolytes when tasks conducted under hot temperatures result in prolonged sweating over several hours.
Limit consumption of energy drinks, alcohol, and caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda. These beverages can contribute to dehydration, increasing the risk of heat illness.
Staying hydrated starts before work then continues throughout the day and after work. Attention to personal hydration decreases the risk of heat illness and other risks associated with chronic dehydration, such as kidney stones.
Register for the Free Informational Talk for Farmers, “Getting a Head Start and Keeping the Season Going,” on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, via Zoom from 6 to 7p.m.
For information, call 609-465-5115, ext. 3601 or email capemayag@njaes.rutgers.edu.
Register at: https://go.rutgers.edu/unt9odv2
The New Jersey Legislature is currently reviewing identical bills (A3521/S2422) which would establish an occupational heat stress standard and “Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program” under the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development. As we monitor the progress of these bills, the Farm Health and Safety Working Group of Rutgers Cooperative Extension has launched an educational program on heat stress mitigation in agriculture which includes weekly “Beat the Heat” articles published in the Rutgers Plant and Pest Advisory E-Newsletter, an update to the Rutgers factsheet “Preventing Heat Stress in Agriculture” and a webinar series.
USDA photo by Preston Keres.
In partnership with New Jersey Farm Bureau, we invite you to join us for a two-part webinar series titled “Don’t Sweat Heat Stress in Agriculture”.
You must register to attend these webinars by visiting https://go.rutgers.edu/heat-stress-in-ag.
Questions? Contact Kate Brown, County ANR Agent with RCE-Somerset County, at 908-526-6293 x4 or kbrown@njaes.rutgers.edu.
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