Source: AGSAFE

Heat Illness:
o Exposure to heat can cause illness and death. The most serious heat illness is heat stroke. Other heat illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash, should also be avoided. There are precautions that can be taken any time temperatures are high and the job involves physical work.

Risk Factors for Heat Illness:
o High temperature and humidity, direct sun exposure, no breeze or wind
o Heavy physical labor
o No recent exposure to hot workplaces
o Low liquid intake
o Waterproof clothing

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:
o Headache, dizziness, or fainting
o Weakness and wet skin
o Irritability or confusion
o Thirst, nausea, or vomiting

Symptoms of Heat Stroke:
o May be confused, unable to think clearly, pass out, collapse, or have seizures (fits)
o May stop sweating

What to Do When a Worker is Ill from the Heat:
o Call a supervisor for help. If the supervisor is not available, call 911.
o Have someone stay with the worker until help arrives.
o Move the worker to a cooler/shaded area.
o Remove outer clothing.
o Fan and mist the worker with water; apply ice (ice bags or ice towels).
o Provide cool drinking water, if able to drink.
o IF THE WORKER IS NOT ALERT or seems confused, this may be a heat stroke. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY and apply ice as soon as possible.

The NC Agribusiness Council (NCAg) has a strategic collaboration with AgSafe to provide NCAg members with practitioner-based solutions and resources to advance our industries' commitment to a safe and compliant workforce as well as a healthy and safe food supply. As a member of NCAg, your organization is a member of AgSafe. To learn more about AgSafe, visit www.AgSafe.org or if you have a question or need assistance on topics such as worker safety, human resources, pesticide compliance, labor relations and food safety issues, call the NCAg/AgSafe help line at 800.434.6011. This helpline is an exclusive benefit of NCAg Membership.