Hot And Bothered

Preventing or reducing heat-related illnesses is an integral part of the busy summer season for industry professionals. Exposure to extremely high temperatures caused an annual average of 381 deaths in the United States during 1979-1996, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People suffer heat-related illness when the body loses the ability to cool itself, which can be caused by several factors. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn and drug and alcohol use.

According to the CDC, most heat-related illnesses occur during the day when temperatures reach above 80° F. Therefore, before heading out to mow, trim or spray, it’s important to know the differences between the three main heat-related illnesses.

HEAT CRAMPS. According to the CDC, heat cramps are caused by muscle contractions in the calves and hamstrings, and it feels much like a severely pulled muscle. They are associated with lack of fluids, high temperatures and lack of physical conditioning. Heat cramps, while painful, are not life threatening. However, ignoring heat cramps can bring about the progression of other, more serious, heat-related illnesses. Heat cramps can be treated by drinking water and resting in a cool area.

HEAT EXHAUSTION. This condition is exactly what it sounds like: severe exhaustion caused by extreme body heat. Excessive heat and dehydration can cause the body to overreact, thus raising the body's temperature higher than 102° F, according to the CDC. Symptoms include paleness, nausea, extreme fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, vomiting, fainting and cool, clammy skin. Heat exhaustion is a serious illness and should be carefully monitored. Cool, shady environments, liquids, cool rags placed on various areas of the body and replacement of electrolytes (such as those found in sports drinks) are used to treat this condition. If the body temperature remains elevated even after treatment, it's best to consult a doctor for further information and instruction.

HEAT STROKE. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and the most severe form of heat-related illness, according to the CDC. Anyone exhibiting the signs and symptoms of heat stroke should be rushed to the nearest hospital or clinic. Unlike other forms of heat illness, heat stroke does not have to be caused by exercise or exertion. High temperatures, lack of body fluids and overexposure to the elements can all bring about this condition. The first sign to look for in a heat stroke victim is red, flushed skin. People who are suffering heat stroke do not sweat, so it is critical that they receive emergency care immediately to relieve their body of heat. Other signs of heat stroke include a body temperature of 106 degrees or higher, seizures, headache, rapid pulse and unconsciousness.

PREVENTING HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES. It is possible for lawn and landscape workers to avoid suffering from heat-related illnesses on the job by taking a few simple precautions. First, it is important to keep the body well hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during and after exposure to the elements. The CDC recommends consuming eight or more glasses of water a day during normal weather conditions and twice that during high heat periods.

Avoid performing strenuous work when the sun is at its hottest - between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If hard labor during those times is unavoidable, it is important for workers to take frequent breaks and retreat to an area where there is plenty of air to allow the body to cool itself naturally.

Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to aid your body in breathing and cooling itself down naturally. Tight clothing restricts such a process and dark colors absorb the sun’s light and heat, according to the CDC. When doing work outdoors, a hat will protect the face from the sun, however, remove any items covering the head upon feeling warm again. Keeping a hat on will only trap more heat inside the body. Also, don’t be fooled by cloudy or hazy days. The affects of the sun can multiply by reflecting off water, concrete, clouds and other light reflective surfaces.

CONCLUSION. The best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. As the summer weather heats up, lawn and landscape contractors only need to make simple changes in fluid intake, activities and clothing to work safely and comfortably.