Protect your employees from heat illness during hot, humid summer months
{Sponsored} In 2014, Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that 2,630 workers suffered from heat illness on the job. Eighteen died from heat stroke.
OSHA, and members of the horticulture industry, are working to raise awareness and offer educational information for greenhouse managers preparing for hot and humid summer weather.
Here are four of the most common heat-related illnesses threatening greenhouse workers across the country.
Heat Stroke. According to OSHA, heat strokes are the most serious heat-related health problem. Heat strokes occur when the body’s temperature regulating system fails and body temperature reaches more than 104°F. Symptoms include confusion, loss of consciousness and seizures. If your employees display signs of a heat stroke, call for medical help immediately.
Heat Exhaustion. Heat exhaustion appears next on OSHA’s list of most serious heat-related illnesses. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, heavy sweating and a body temperature more than 100.4°F. If your workers display signs of heat exhaustion, let them rest in a cool place and encourage them to drink water, sports drink and other hydrating fluids. Medical evaluation may be necessary.
Heat Rash. OSHA says heat rash is the most common heat-related problem facing workers employed in hot environments. Heat rash is caused by sweating and appears like a cluster of red pimples or blisters on the neck, upper chest, groin, under the breasts and in elbow creases. The best cure is a cooler, less humid work environment. The rash area should be kept dry. Powder may be applied to increase comfort, but avoid anything that may make the skin warm or moist as it may worsen the rash.
Heat Cramps. As described by OSHA, heat cramps occur when the body loses too much salt and fluids due to increased sweating. To offset heat cramps, workers should scheduled water breaks every 10-15 minutes to replenish body fluids.
OSHA recommends greenhouse owners and managers take the following steps to protect their employees during the summer months.
- Make sure your workers have access to drinking water and shade. As the humidity heats up, periods of rest should also be offered and drink breaks should be taken every 15 minutes.
- New employees — or part-time employees returning to work during the summer months — should be acclimated to the heat gradually and take more frequent rest breaks.
- Train your greenhouse workers to avoid and identify when they are showing symptoms of heat illness and recognize when others in the facility are displaying the same symptoms.
- Encourage your employees to wear hats and light-colored clothing when possible.
- Be willing to modify work schedules if severe heat and humidity cannot be avoided at the greenhouse.
- Routinely observe your employees for warning signs related to heat illness and take the appropriate actions to reduce the risks.
It’s important to remember that heat illnesses and heat-related deaths are preventable with the proper training programs in place.
Questions related to heat illness can be answered on www.hortica.com or by contacting your Hortica® insurance agent.
Hortica® property and casualty coverages are underwritten, and loss control services are provided, by Florists’ Mutual Insurance Company and Florists’ Insurance Company, members of the Sentry Insurance Group. For more information, visit hortica.com. Policies, coverages, benefits and discounts are not available in all states. See policy for complete coverage details.
This document is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. No one should act on the information contained in this document without advice from a local professional with relevant expertise.
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