WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs’ (AFOP) Health & Safety is hosting its annual Heat Stress Prevention Training Marathon to raise awareness and prevent heat illness among outdoor workers. The national training effort runs June 22-26, 2015 and is part the OSHA Water-Rest-Shade Heat Stress Prevention Campaign. During the week, AFOP’s goal is to train over 800 outdoor workers on heat stress prevention.
Every year, thousands of outdoor workers experience heat-related illnesses and some even die a preventable death. AFOP reminds outdoor workers that extreme heat can lead to very high body temperatures, brain and organ damage, and even death. People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and cool themselves properly. Extreme heat affects everyone, but the elderly, children, persons who work outdoors, and those with chronic medical conditions are most at risk.
Prevention is extremely important when working in extreme heat environments. It is vital to remember these three simple words: Water, Rest and Shade. Drinking water to stay hydrated is essential. Acclimatization also is a critical part of preventing heat-related illnesses and fatalities, and farmworkers should gradually build up workloads and exposure to heat by taking frequent breaks for water and to rest in shade. Taking these precautions can mean the difference between life and death.