Excessive Heat and Your Farm

Farm tasks generally require outdoor activities. Working in hot and humid conditions increases the risk of life-threatening heat-related illnesses. Take measures to protect yourself and others on your farm during extreme heat situations.

Before Excessive Heat Situations

• Stay informed.
  • Monitor for heat advisories in your area at the NOAA National Weather Service. http://www.weather.gov/
  • Listen to local news and weather channels during extreme heat conditions for health and safety updates.
• Know the terminology.
  • Excessive Heat Advisory: An excessive heat event is occurring; prolonged exposure or strenuous activity might result in a heat-related illness.
  • Excessive Heat Warning: Life-threatening heat is occurring. Take precautions immediately!
• Discuss heat precautions with those that work on your farm.
  • Limit or avoid activity during the day.
  • Keep hydrated; drinking at least every 15 minutes.
  • Train workers on how to minimize heat stress and to recognize the signs of heat illness.
• Establish shade or cool areas on your farm.
  • Designate areas for workers to go to cool off.
  • Set up awnings, canopies, if natural shade is not available.
  • Provide sources of water.
• Prepare for power outages.
  • High summertime temperatures increase energy demand for cooling; overloaded energy systems can result in power outages.
  • For more information see the Power Outage handouts in this manual.

During Excessive Heat Situations

• If you (or farm workers) must be outdoors
  • Limit activities to the morning and evening hours; avoid mid-day.
  • Avoid strenuous activities.
  • Take frequent breaks (10-20 minutes each hour), preferably in shade or an air conditioned area.
  • Drink 1-2 quarts of cool water every hour; avoid ice cold water as this can cause stomach cramps.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher.
• Encourage workers to ensure use a “buddy system” while working
  • Ensure adequate water consumption.
  • Alternate work load between strenuous and light tasks.
  • Detect early signs of heat-related illnesses.

Heat-Related Illnesses

• Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation!
  • Occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature and cool itself.
  • Signs:
    • extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
    • red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
    • rapid, strong pulse
    • throbbing headache
    • dizziness
    • nausea
    • confusion
    • unconsciousness
  • If you see any of these signs, get medical assistance immediately!
• Heat exhaustion.
  • A milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.
  • Signs:
    • cool, moist, pale or flushed skin
    • heavy sweating
    • headache
    • nausea
    • dizziness
    • weakness
  • Cool the victim by
    • providing cool, nonalcoholic beverages
    • rest in a cool or air-conditioned environment
    • cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
    • lightweight clothing
  • If the person vomits or begins to lose consciousness, get medical assistance immediately!
• Heat cramps.
  • Muscle pains or spasms (usually in the legs or abdomen) that occur in association with loss of fluids and electrolytes following strenuous activity.
  • Often an early sign that the body is having trouble with heat.
• Sunburn.
  • Damage to the skin that significantly slows the skin’s ability to release heat.
  • Usually minor discomfort that heals in a week.
  • Severe sunburn may require medical attention.
• Heat rash.
  • Skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.
  • Red cluster of pimples or small blisters.
  • Most common on the neck, upper chest, or folds of the skin (e.g., elbow creases).