As the temperatures begin to soar, we all know farm and ranch work never stops, even in the hot weather.
“Wear lightweight, long-sleeved, light-colored clothing, or a cooling vest and take short, frequent breaks in a shaded or cool area to stay cool while working outdoors,” says Tawnie Larson, a program manager in Kansas State University’s Carl and Melinda Helwig Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and the Kansas Agriculture Safety and Health Program.
She says technical cooling vests “are essentially like wearing air conditioning.”
“The vests use specialized fabric and fibers to circulate cooling products to keep body temperatures low during hot days,” she explains.
Larson also suggests using equipment with a canopy, such as a Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) with a sunshade.
“Usually, the ROPS with canopies cannot be folded down, which in turn provides more safety for operators because the ROPS is always activated,” Larson says. “Equipment that has an enclosed cab often times comes with air conditioning and has a built-in ROPS. Both of these options provide safety from rollovers and can help prevent heat-related illness.”
Because each individual reacts to hot days different, it’s important to listen to your body, Larson says. Take frequent breaks and stay inside during the hottest part of the day if possible.
“Medication may also play a role in affecting one’s body’s ability to stay cool, making it harder to handle the heat,” Larson says. “Before working outside this summer, check with your doctor to see if you’re at higher risk for heat-related illness and whether you should take extra-precautions due to medication.”
Is it Heat Stroke or Heat Exhaustion?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends drinking 1 cup of water every 15-20 minutes, and before becoming thirsty. The CDC also recommends keeping sugary and alcoholic drinks to a minimum. Replace salt and minerals with snacks or a sports drink.
Heat stroke symptoms include high body temperature; hot, dry, red or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and lack of consciousness.
If a person is suffering from heat stroke:
- Call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Move the person to a cooler place.
- Lower the person’s temperature with cooler clothes.
- Do not give the person anything to drink.
“Heat exhaustion is different and usually not as serious,” Larson says.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include:
- heavy sweating
- cold, pale and clammy skin
- fast, weak pulse
- nausea
- tiredness
- headache
- fainting
“If this occurs, take action by moving to a cool place, loosen clothing, get cool, sip water and seek medical attention if symptoms last longer than an hour or get worse,” Larson says.
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