Working in hot weather is likely part of day-to-day operations when it comes to your horticultural business—especially during summer months. But without the right precautions, extreme heat can quickly pose health and safety risks for your employees.
According to the Environmental Defense Fund, the average U.S. agricultural worker is exposed to 21 working days each year that are unsafe due to heat. The National Library of Medicine reports these workers are 35 times more likely to suffer fatal heat-related illness compared to workers in other industries.
For outdoor horticultural teams, managing heat stress in the workplace isn't just about comfort—it's about protecting health, maintaining productivity, and conducting safe and efficient operations.
The good news is you can take practical, proactive steps to help reduce the risks of heat-related illness and safeguard your workers and business.
With OSHA expected to release a heat illness prevention standard in the near future, now is the time to review and reinforce your heat safety protocols.
What is heat stress?
Horticultural workers often labor under direct sun, inside greenhouses, or near equipment that generates radiant heat. These conditions increase the likelihood of heat stress—a combination of high temperatures, humidity, and physical exertion that can overwhelm the body's ability to cool itself.
How heat impacts productivity and health
Along with causing discomfort, heat stress can have real consequences on your team's long-term well-being and performance. When exposed to high temperatures, workers may experience fatigue, reduced concentration, and slower reaction times.
These impairments increase the risk of errors, accidents, and poor work quality. Over time, prolonged heat exposure can also result in serious health issues, such as cardiovascular strain, kidney damage, and even heat stroke, which can be fatal without timely intervention.
As an employer, you're responsible for providing a safe working environment. That responsibility becomes even more critical as temperatures rise.
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What are warning signs of heat stress?
Early intervention is key to helping prevent serious health issues. Train your employees and supervisors to monitor for the following symptoms of heat stress: fatigue, heavy sweating, dizziness or fainting, headaches, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat, and nausea or vomiting.
When caught early, many of these symptoms can be treated with rest, hydration, and cooling measures. Left unchecked, they may escalate into medical emergencies like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which require immediate attention.
7 proactive steps to help prevent heat-related illnesses
Train your team on heat safety: Provide training that covers how workers can recognize symptoms of heat stress, respond effectively, and understand the importance of hydration and rest. Encourage workers to speak up if they begin feeling unwell.
Conduct a heat stress risk assessment: Identify high-risk areas, such as greenhouses, unshaded work zones, and spots near heat-generating equipment. Evaluate tasks that demand high exertion and prolonged sun exposure.
Use engineering controls to cool the work environment: Where possible, install ventilation, use fans, build shade structures, and provide cooling stations. Shield or insulate any equipment that radiates heat. Improve airflow in greenhouses to reduce internal temperature.
Adjust work schedules: Reschedule physically demanding tasks to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Rotate workers through shaded or cooler areas. Require regular breaks and hydration, enforce a buddy system, and allow time for new or returning workers to acclimate to conditions.
Provide appropriate clothing and gear: Recommend or provide lightweight, breathable, and UV-protective clothing. Wide-brimmed hats are good for sun protection. If PPE is required, ensure it doesn't contribute to overheating and is suitable for warm conditions.
Monitor daily weather forecasts: Stay updated on local weather and heat advisories. Be ready to adjust schedules, enhance cooling measures, increase break times, or postpone non-essential tasks during extreme heat.
Develop a heat stress response plan: Establish clear protocols for monitoring temperature, responding to heat-related emergencies, first aid and medical care, and documenting and reporting incidents. Make sure every team member is familiar with the plan and how to respond if someone shows signs of heat stress.
The benefits of managing heat safety proactively
An effective heat safety program can lead to fewer injuries and health issues, lower medical and workers' compensation costs, and build better morale and worker retention.
For more information:
Hortica
www.hortica.com
