How to Protect Agricultural Workers from Heat & Cold Stress

Summers are getting hotter, and winters are getting colder in the US. With these record-breaking, extreme temperatures, being able to protect yourself from the weather has never been more important. Agricultural workers are especially at risk due to the nature of their work. If you work in agriculture, you may be exposed to extreme temperatures that your body can not handle. Extreme temperatures will harm you if you don’t take the correct precautions.

Several illnesses can be caused by heat and cold stress. Heat-related illnesses include, but are not limited to dehydration, extreme sunburn, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and even skin cancer. Luckily, most of these illnesses can be prevented. Staying hydrated is arguably the most important preventative method. If you do not drink enough water, your body can’t protect you from the extreme heat. The most fatal heat-related illness, heat stroke, is caused by dehydration. In hotter weather, it is vital to drink more water and take more breaks. Doing so may save your life.

Working in hot weather is dangerous; however, the cold kills nearly 20 times more people than the heat. Winter is coming to the United States in the next few months, and agricultural workers are at risk. Are you prepared to work in record cold temperatures? If not, then you will be at risk of cold-related illness and even death. Cold-related illnesses include, but are not limited to trench foot, hypothermia, and frostbite. Taking frequent breaks in a warm area, staying dry, and wearing plenty of layers will help protect you from these illnesses.

In this post, we’ve discussed a few ways to prevent heat and cold-related illnesses, but what will you do when you notice signs and symptoms in yourself? How will you know what symptoms to look for? Understanding how to spot signs and symptoms of heat and cold-related illnesses can mean the difference between a minor injury and death. If you want to protect yourself and others from extreme temperatures, then you should check out our upcoming AG heat and cold stress safety training. Our training will teach you how to prevent heat and cold-related illnesses, how to spot the signs and symptoms of these illnesses, and how to administer proper first aid. Our training can mean the difference between life and death. 

Good luck and stay safe!