Reducing heat stress in the field
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EmailHeat stress can be an issue for you and your employees, even in a northern state like Michigan.
Heat stress can be an issue for anyone working on the farm, even in a northern state like Michigan. Weeklong heatwaves during the summer bring this to light quickly.
What is heat stress?
Heat stress can be defined as when your body has excess heat that it can’t shed. This excess heat raises our body temperature beyond the normal range of 97-99 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are various levels of heat stress ranging from heat rash and heat cramps to heat stroke. The effects of the resulting illnesses can range from discomfort to death.
When we experience heat stress, it is important to treat it early on so that we don’t move to more severe heat stress levels. Heat rash may cause a red, blotchy rash with clusters of blisters or small pimples, and can appear anywhere on the body, but particularly in folds of skin or along the belt area. Treatments for heat rash include removing constricting clothing, keeping the area dry and using a calming lotion or powder to help cool and dry the area. Someone experiencing heat rash should also rest in the shade, change their clothes to keep the skin dry and drink plenty of water.
Heat cramps exhibit as intermittent, involuntary spasms of larger muscles, particularly the arms, legs and abdomen. When experiencing heat cramps, it is important to stop activity, take a break to rest in the shade and drink water or an electrolyte beverage. Massaging the affected muscles may also help alleviate symptoms.
If heat stress has progressed to a more serious level, the person may experience symptoms such as dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, headache, nausea or vomiting, irritability, decreased urination and increased thirst. If someone has a combination of these symptoms or has fainted, they are likely to need medical attention. Move the individual safely to a shaded area, lay them down and cool the skin (ice packs or wet, cool towels should be placed along the neck, armpits and groin), and have them drink water, clear juice, or an electrolyte beverage. Do not leave them alone while they wait for medical help. These are signs of an excessive loss of body salts or decreased blood flow.
At the most serious level of heat stress, called heat stroke, individuals may experience confusion and altered behavior, slurred speech, loss of consciousness and high body temperature. They may have stopped sweating and have a rapid heart rate and breathing. These are signs of a life-threatening emergency. If anyone is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately. While waiting for paramedics, move the individual to a shaded cool area, work to cool the individual down with water, ice packs, cold water rags, etc. Do not leave them alone.
Why might someone not report heat stress symptoms?
There is often a stigma in reporting symptoms of heat stress. If workers are not believed, are made fun of or left alone, they may be more likely to avoid reporting heat stress in the future. Employers may also avoid acknowledging their own heat stress, because they often feel like they should be able to “tough it out.” It’s important to realize that just because you or your workers were able to do X task last season, for Y number of hours without a break does not mean they can do that again this year without any issues. Many risk factors affect the likelihood of heat stress including personal situations, the work and how it is performed and the weather. Maybe someone is on a new medication, is sick, or didn’t get enough sleep the previous night. These personal situations—and many others—can affect the likelihood of experiencing heat stress.
The work may have changed since last year as well. Maybe the team is doing more with fewer people, or there are new PPE requirements from regulators or from a new product being used. Finally, temperature is not the only way weather can impact heat stress. Direct sunlight, wind speed, humidity and other factors can also affect heat stress.
Employers can help reduce the stigma of reporting heat stress by:
- Modeling safe behavior from supervisors and leadership (e.g., supervisors taking breaks and hydrating visibly).
- Starting a buddy system where workers look out for one another, recognize changes in behavior and advocate for breaks.
- Having a zero-tolerance policy for making fun of others for reporting heat stress.
- Ensuring workers that they will not face retaliation or lost wages for seeking medical care.
How can we prevent heat stress?
- Acclimate new or returning workers gradually to heat over several days.
- Schedule physically demanding tasks during the cooler parts of the day when possible.
- Provide easy access to clean water, electrolytes and shade (OSHA standards may even require access to water).
- Educating employees and supervisors on how to recognize heat stress symptoms and how to respond.
Heat stress prevention is a core component of summer agricultural work, and many leading agricultural and occupational safety institutions have helpful insight. This article is based on a 2022 program on heat stress, presented and developed by Bethany Boggess Alcauter of the National Center for Farmworker Health, hosted by the National Council of Agricultural Employers, and described by retired MSU Extension educator Stan Moore. It is also based on the presentation, “Combating Heat and Cold Stress for Ag Workers,” by Tara Haskins of AgriSafe during the AgrAbility National Training Workshop in March 2025. Programs like this highlight information about what heat stress is, how to prevent and treat it and provide excellent resources for employers and employees alike.
