Don’t Let Your Crews Become "Hot-Heads"

As temperatures soar, so do the risks of heat-related illness among orchard workers. Heat illness can be very serious, but can also be prevented. Employers should encourage their workers to drink plenty of cool, fresh water (at least one cup every 15 minutes) during the work shift. They should not wait until they are thirsty to drink water! Taking rest breaks in the shade will help workers keep their bodies cooler.

Clothing should be loose-fitting, light-weight and made of light-colored cotton, along with a wide-brimmed hat and a bandana. It is best for workers to steer clear of alcohol, avoid coffee and choose water over soda.

The early symptoms of heat illness include fatigue, heavy sweating, headache, cramps, dizziness, high pulse rate and nausea and vomiting. Workers who are not used to working in the heat and those who have had heat illness before are at higher risk.

California law requires that employers provide water, rest breaks, shade and training on heat stress to all outdoor workers, including supervisors. For more information, contact the Labor Occupational Health Program at (510) 643-4335 or the California Department of Industrial Relations worker hotline at (866) 924-9757.