Landscape workers and owners need to practice safe methods to make sure everyone stays safe while working through extreme temperatures.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 1999 and 2009, there were an annual average of 658 heat-related deaths in the U.S. alone.
To help emphasize the importance of heatstroke prevention, the Weather Channel spoke with Dr. Theresa Lash-Ritter, the medical director of the urgent and express care clinic at Cleveland Clinic, to come up with seven facts about heatstroke.
1. Heatstroke doesn’t hit when the temperature hit 100 degrees. The clinic tells individuals heat stroke can happen when temperatures are more than 80 degree and more than 75-percent humidity.
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2. People who are over the age of 65 are more at risk, as well as people who are overweight and not acclimated to the heat.
3. The first sign of heatstroke is a headache or feeling of lightheadedness.
4. Heatstroke can be life threatening and nausea and vomiting are also early symptoms.
5. Look for any signs of a change in sweating patterns, especially of sweating stops all together.
6. Additionally, confusion and agitation are two signs to look for and landscapers should call 911 immediately at the first signs of trouble.
7. If a coworker starts showing these signs, the most important thing is to not only call 911, but start cooling off the worker. Move the worker to shade or air conditioning and apply damp towels or a fan. Help the worker rehydrate with water.
Check out these Safety Watch articles for more tips on best safety practices.
