Australia’s agricultural sector is no stranger to the scorching heat, and with rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves, heat illness is a growing concern for farmers, farmworkers, and the wider agricultural community. Heat illness, encompassing heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps, can have severe consequences if not recognised and treated promptly. However, with proper prevention and treatment measures, heat illness can be effectively managed, ensuring the safety and well-being of those working in the fields and farms across the country.

Prevention: Staying Ahead of Heat Illness

Prevention is the cornerstone of heat illness management. By implementing proactive measures, the risk of heat illness can be significantly reduced. Here are some key prevention strategies:

• Hydration: Encourage frequent water intake, even before feeling thirsty. Provide ample access to cool drinking water and electrolyte-rich beverages.
• Consider a water consumption target: Particularly with newer staff members it maybe good to ask them to consume an identified amount of water by lunchtime and a bit more by 3pm.
• Schedule Adjustments: Plan outdoor work for cooler hours of the day, such as early mornings or late evenings. Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest periods. This can be very difficult in Agriculture but where possible try to make it a priority.
• Protective Clothing: Provide lightweight, breathable clothing and wide-brimmed hats to protect from direct sunlight. Encourage loose-fitting clothing to allow for air circulation.
• Shade and Rest Breaks: Ensure adequate shade is available for rest breaks. Encourage frequent breaks in cool environments to allow the body to recover.
• Acclimatisation: Gradually increase the workload and exposure to heat for new or returning workers to allow their bodies to adapt.

Treatment: Responding to Heat Illness Symptoms

Despite prevention efforts, heat illness can still occur. Early recognition and prompt treatment are crucial to minimise the impact. Here’s how to respond to heat illness symptoms:

• Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and headache. Move the person to a cool, shaded area, provide cool fluids gradually, and loosen clothing. Consider fanning and pouring water on the patient. Immersing the persons body into a larger amount of water such as a trough would also be beneficial provided you keep a close eye on them in case they slip their head under water. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist.
• Heatstroke: Symptoms include high body temperature (over 40.5°C), confusion, slurred speech, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Call for emergency medical services immediately and initiate cooling measures while waiting.

Creating a Heat Illness Prevention Plan

Developing a comprehensive heat illness prevention plan is essential for any agricultural workplace. This plan should outline specific measures to prevent, recognize, and treat heat illness, tailored to the unique working conditions of the farm or agricultural operation. The plan should be communicated to all workers, and regular training should be provided to ensure everyone is aware of the risks and prevention strategies.

By prioritising prevention and implementing effective treatment measures, the Australian agricultural sector can safeguard its workforce against the dangers of heat illness, ensuring a safer and healthier working environment for all.

If you would like more information about this topic or any others, purchase any First Aid stock or equipment, or to book a Remote Area First Aid course, please contact us on 0491 057 339 or email info@ruralandremotefirstaid.com.au

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By Scott Brown

Author bio:

For over 22 years Scott Brown has been training Remote Area First Aid across Australia. Having first joined Rural Ambulance Victoria in 2001 and working in the high-country in Victoria, he began teaching First Aid for Rural Ambulance Victoria. 22 years on, he works with some of Australia’s largest pastoral corporations and property managers that combined manage over 200,000 square kms of the Australian landscape.

Known for conveying detailed First Aid information in a relatable and relaxed way, Scott’s courses have become popular with Pastoral Property Managers, overseers and ringers alike. The highly practical course content ensures relevance to actual situations that are possible to encounter on a working property.

Scott continues to work with Ambulance Victoria alongside his First Aid training.