Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Author: Roch Gaussoin, Professor & Extension Turfgrass Specialist
Working in the heat is needed on turfgrass facilities but letting the weather cause serious harm to you and your workers is not. The following is from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Heat-Related Illness page.
Heat-Related Illnesses
Heat Stroke
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
• High body temperature (103°F or higher)
• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
• Fast, strong pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Losing consciousness (passing out)
WHAT TO DO:
• Call 911 right away, -heat stroke is a medical emergency
• Move the person to a cooler place
• Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
• Do not give the person anything to drink
Heat Exhaustion
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
• Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale, and clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness or weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fainting (passing out)
WHAT TO DO:
• Move to a cool place
• Loosen your clothes
• Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath
• Sip water
Get medical help right away if:
• You are throwing up
• Your symptoms get worse
• Your symptoms last longer than 1 hour