Heat-related death reminds employers to be cautious with workers

A landscaper from Dexter, Missouri, recently died of heat exposure during tree-trimming operations near Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

According to a news release from the U.S. Department of Labor, the 23-year-old man had a core temperature of 108 degrees after working a full day Friday. He started his shift about 7 a.m. At 4:30 p.m., he became overheated, when the heat index reached about 110 degrees. The man died the next day.

In the news release, Bill McDonald, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration area director in St. Louis, called the death "tragic and preventable."

"Working in full sunlight can increase heat index values by 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Employers must keep this in mind and plan additional precautions for working in these conditions," McDonald said in the release.

Many Southeast Missouri employers are well aware of the dangers of working in extreme summer heat. The city of Cape Girardeau frequently has workers toiling outside over the summer. The city is preparing to set new railroad tracks along the floodwall in downtown.

Stan Polivick, assistant public works director, said he encourages those working on city projects to be mindful of their well-being throughout the day and take breaks as needed.

But the most important thing is to stay hydrated, he said.

"We tell them to start tonight for tomorrow," Polivick said, noting workers should not just drink water or sports drinks throughout the day, but should begin hydrating the night before when they know they will be exposed to heat.

He also encourages workers to reduce drinking beer the night before a hot day, as it adds to dehydration.

Polivick said his workers are encouraged to stop when overwhelmed, even if it means shutting down operations briefly. They also are encouraged to work in groups.

"Crew leaders are reminded to look out for each other," Polivick said, and "no one works alone."

"We take heat this time of year very seriously," Phil Penzel, owner of Penzel Construction, said in an email. "Providing water is great, but an individual will need to drink a lot as much as every 15 minutes or less."

Penzel offers his workers water and Gatorade and encourages them to alternate between them.

Penzel said his workers are trained to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Though he has never had an incident of heat stroke on the job, exhaustion has been an issue.

"My best advice is pay attention to the warning signs and get plenty of fluids," Penzel wrote.

Kevin Williams, owner of Williams Landscape Design said he too has seen an employee suffer from heat exhaustion many years ago. Not unlike the Dexter landscaper, Williams' employee had been on the job only for a few days.

"It's dangerous when they start in the summer," Williams said. "If they start earlier in the year, their body can get accustomed to the weather."

The news release from the Department of Labor confirms this. Bonita Winingham, OSHA's acting regional administrator in Kansas City, Missouri, said when it comes to heat-related deaths, most workers had just started the job, and "frequently it was their first day on the job and the workers were not acclimated to the constant exposure to the heat and sun."

In the case of Williams' crew member, he was able to get indoors and cool down. Though he was unwell for several days afterwards, he made a full recovery.

Williams said he encourages his workers during their breaks to ensure their core temperatures return to normal levels before going back out into the heat. Workers wear hats and ample sunblock, and Williams provides towels and drinks.

He also encourages open communication with the people who work for him. If a break is needed -- for a few minutes or a few hours -- he said they should speak up so he can accommodate them.

"Health is more important than the job," Williams said.

bbrown@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630

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Things to know about working in the heat

Symptoms of heat

exhaustion

• Headache, dizziness or fainting
• Weakness and wet skin
• Irritability or confusion
• Thirst, nausea or vomiting

Symptoms of

heat stroke

• May be confused, unable to think clearly, pass out, collapse or have seizures (fits)
• May stop sweating

To prevent heat-related illness and fatalities at work:

• Drink water every 15 minutes.
• Rest in the shade to cool down.
• Wear a hat and light-colored clothing.
• Learn the signs of heat illness and what to do in an emergency.
• Keep an eye on fellow workers.
• ”Easy does it” on your first days of work in the heat. The body should be given time to get acclimated to high temperatures.

The risk of heat stress increases for workers 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure or take medications.

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Administration