Working in hot weather

In August of 2011, we published an article on heat-related illness and how it can affect your crews. While the article is five years old, the topic is still relevant, especially as we move into the final days of summer.

Heat-related illness often does not receive as much attention as other workplace hazards and is often under reported.

A high profile case of heat stroke was that of Korey Stringer, a 27-year-old member of the Minnesota Vikings football team. On Aug. 1, 2001, he collapsed after two and a half hours of practice in 90 degree heat. At the hospital, his core body temperature was recorded at 108 degrees. He died shortly thereafter of major organ failure. Many were shocked at how sudden and serious the consequences of heat exposure can be, but his tragic story brought to light a serious workplace hazard that concerns thousands of workers every year.

According to OSHA, the combination of heat and humidity can be a serious health threat during summer months.

Here are several precautions to take:

• Drink small amounts of water frequently. When working in the heat, you should drink 5 to 7 ounces of water every half hour.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing – cotton is good. Take frequent short breaks in cool, shaded areas.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
• Work in the shade whenever possible.
• Find out from your health provider if your medications will make you more susceptible to heat illness.
• Know that personal protective equipment such as respirators or coveralls can increase heat stress.

For the rest of the story, which looks at the four kinds of heat-related disorders and how they vary in severity, head to bit.ly/Hotweather11.

Lawn & Landscape has partnered with The Harvest Group on an exciting program. We are seeking three landscapers or lawn care operators we can team up with Bill Arman, Ed Laflamme and their team of consultants to help solve your most challenging problems in 2017. Special preference will be given to veteran- and minority-owned companies.

This consulting program with The Harvest Group is worth $25,000 and three lucky winners will get it at no cost.

Lawn & Landscape will report on each company throughout the year-long process in its print magazine, online and video. Arman, Laflamme and a videographer will spend two days with each of the three winners, learning about their business challenges and opportunities. They’ll interview employees, visit jobsites and build a playbook to help the companies implement the changes suggested.

After a year of consultation, Arman and Laflamme will revisit each company’s location to report on the improvements.

A panel made up of Lawn & Landscape editors, The Harvest Group and other industry experts will choose winners in November. Onsite visits will begin this winter and consultations will run through 2017.

Deadline for submissions is Aug. 31. Go to bit.ly/Harvesterturnaround to apply.