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AGRICULTURAL SAFETY TOPICS – HEAT STRESS 2 130-011-17-IADO © 2014, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca Key elements for controlling heat stress are: Drink one glass of cool water every 15 to 30 minutes worked, depending on the heat and humidity. This is the best way to hydrate the body. Heavy and prolonged sweating also causes loss of electrolyte which need to be replaced based on the individual needs Read medication labels to know how this may cause the body to react to the sun and heat. Avoid caffeinated drinks, alcohol and drugs as they may make the body lose water and increase the risk of health effects on the body. Build up tolerance, referred to as acclimatisation, for working in the heat. Heat tolerance is normally built up over a one to two week time period. If a worker is away from work for a week, the person needs to be acclimatised again. Take breaks in a cooler area to cool down the body. The length of breaks depends on the physical demands of the job and outdoor conditions. Adapt work and pace to the weather. Provide heat stress training to workers and supervisors. Manage work activities and match them to employees' physical condition. Use special protective gear, such as cooling garments and cooling vests to reduce the heat stress on the body. Know how to recognize heat stress symptoms and how to offer first aid treatments. Heat stroke first aid: Move the victim to a cool place. Remove heavy clothing; light clothing can be left in place. Immediately cool the victim by any available means. Such as placing ice packs at areas with abundant blood supply (neck, armpits, and groin). Wet towels or sheets are also effective. The cloths should be kept wet with cool water. To prevent hypothermia continue cooling the victim until their temperature drops to 102ºF (39ºC). Keep the victim's head and shoulders slightly elevated. Seek medical attention immediately. All heat stroke victims need hospitalization. Care for seizures if they occur. You do not want to provide any medication whatsoever unless advised by medical staff. wsps.ca

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