How to Stay Safe Working in Farms during Hot Weather

As the scorching summer days continue in Kansas, Tawnie Larson, an agriculture health and safety consultant at Kansas State University, shares invaluable advice for farmers and ranchers.

Here are some tips from Tawnie Larson, a project consultant for agriculture health and safety at Kansas State University:

• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved apparel or a cooling vest.
• Take brief, frequent breaks in a cool, shaded environment.
• Use canopy-equipped equipment, such as a Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) with a sunshade.
• Pay attention to your body and take longer rests if necessary.
• Stay inside during the hottest part of the day, which is typically between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Replace salt and minerals with snacks or a sports drink.
• Avoid sugary and alcoholic drinks.
• Hydration is critical, with the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommending 1 cup of water every 15-20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty.

If you have any signs of heat stroke, such as a high body temperature, hot, dry skin, or a quick, strong pulse, dial 9-1-1 right away. Move to a cooler location and wear cooler clothing to reduce your body temperature. Do not allow yourself to consume alcohol.

Heat exhaustion differs from heat stroke in that it is usually not as severe. Heavy sweating, cold, pale, and clammy skin, a quick, weak pulse, nausea, weariness, headache, and fainting are all symptoms of heat exhaustion.

By following these tips, you can stay safe and healthy this summer, even when the weather is hot.

For more on-farm safety tips, visit our sister site Farms.com’s Safety Pages: https://www.farms.com/news/farm-safety/