Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
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Treatment—Clean skin, apply mild drying lotion or cornstarch.
Wear loose clothing. Preventable by regular bathing and drying the
skin and by periodic relief from humid conditions of work. See phy-
sician if rash persists.
3.
Heat Cramps
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Signs and Symptoms—Painful spasms of leg, arm, or abdominal
muscles. Heavy sweating and thirst which occurs during or after hard
work.
•
Cause and Problems—Loss of body salt in sweat and may be totally
disabling.
•
Treatment—Loosen clothing, drink isotonic beverages, and rest.
4.
Heat Exhaustion
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Signs and Symptoms—Fatigue, headache, dizziness, muscle weak-
ness, loss of coordination, fatigue, collapse. Profuse sweating; pale,
moist, cool skin; excessive thirst, dry mouth; dark yellow urine.
Fast pulse, if conscious. Low or normal oral temperature, rectal
temperature usually 99.5-101
0
F. May also have heat cramps, nausea,
urge to defecate, rapid breathing, chills, tingling of the hands or feet,
confusion, giddiness, slurred speech, and/or irritability.
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Cause and Problems—Dehydration, lack of acclimatization; reduction
of blood in circulation, strain on respiratory system, reduced flow of
blood to the brain. May lead to heat stroke.
•
Treatment—Removal to cooler, shaded area as quickly as possible.
Rest lying down. If conscious, have worker drink as much water as
possible. Do not give salt. If unconscious or if heat stroke is also
suspected, treat for heat stroke. Loosen or remove clothing. Splash
cold water on the body. Massage legs and arms. If worker collapsed,
get an evaluation by physician, nurse, or EMT before worker leaves
for the day. Shower in cold water and rest for the balance of the day
and overnight.
5.
Heat Stroke
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Signs and Symptoms—Fatigue, headache, dizziness, muscle weak-
ness, loss of coordination, fatigue, collapse. Profuse sweating; pale,
moist, cool skin; excessive thirst, dry mouth; dark yellow urine.
Fast pulse, if conscious. Low or normal oral temperature, rectal
temperature usually 99.5-101ºF. May also have heat cramps, nausea,
