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Treating
animals of any size is strenuous work under the best conditions. Working long
hours in hot weather without the proper precautions can easily lead to
heat-induced illness. Proper preparation, communication, hydration, and attire
can be the key to keeping your team safe.
When temperatures exceed 90°F, the human body sweats in an attempt
to cool down. However, the more your body sweats, the more your internal
temperature increases, and this change can result in physical and mental
exhaustion. Fatigue caused by prolonged heat exposure can lead to clouded
judgment, fainting, and dehydration. When paired with heavy equipment and
working with live animals, it can result in serious injury or illness.
Heat-induced
illness can reduce your staff’s ability to effectively treat patients and can present
a danger to others in the treatment setting. What’s more, if an employee or
volunteer falls ill due to high temperatures, others may need to make up for
that lost productivity, putting further strain on their bodies.
That’s why it
is essential to provide employees clear guidelines for working in such
conditions, including:
- Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
- Staying hydrated
- Taking frequent breaks
- Reporting any symptoms of heat-induced illness immediately
Communication
Associate veterinarians, veterinary technicians, handlers,
clients—no matter who you’re working with, open communication is crucial to hot
weather safety. If you feel unwell or if anyone you’re working with appears to
be exhibiting signs of heat-induced illness (see below), speak up. In addition,
adjust work activities to reduce risk. Schedule heavier tasks earlier in the
day, set up work areas in the shade, and rotate workers to less strenuous or
cooler areas when possible. Extra rest and acclimatization to the heat will go
a long way to keeping you and your team healthy in the sun.
Hydration
Hydration is the most important way to control the effects of heat
on the body. It’s recommended to hydrate every 15-20 minutes when working
outdoors. While water is typically the go-to liquid for hydration, it’s not the
only beverage that can be consumed on a hot day. In addition to fluids, sweat
also contains sodium, electrolytes, and other minerals. Gatorade® and other
sports drinks can help replace these additional elements and boost
electrolytes. For the best hydration, consider a combination of sports drinks
and water. During heavy work in a hot environment, drink two to four cups
(16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.
Proper Attire
In order for sweat to successfully cool your body, it must
evaporate from your skin. Light, loose clothing allows your skin to breathe and
allows for evaporation to occur. Long sleeves, full-length pants, and hats are
also recommended to prevent sun exposure. Sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher should
be applied to cover all exposed skin. Don’t forget to apply to your neck, your
ears, and the top of your head. Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before
going outdoors and reapply every two hours. Lastly, polarized sunglasses offer
protection from UV rays that can damage your eyes.
Heat Exhaustion versus Heatstroke
|
Description |
Signs |
First Aid Tips |
|
Heat exhaustion can easily be overlooked by outdoor workers since many of the
telltale signs are common on a hot day. If left untreated, heat exhaustion
can lead to heatstroke. |
·
Excessive sweating ·
Muscle fatigue ·
Headache ·
Rapid pulse |
·
Rest in a cool place ·
Try to lower heart rate ·
Drink cool fluids ·
Loosen clothing |
|
Heatstroke occurs when your core body temperature reaches 104F. Anyone
experiencing heatstroke required immediate medical attention. Heatstroke can
cause vital organ damage (including the brain) and death. |
·
Nausea ·
Vomiting ·
Flushed skin ·
Loss of consciousness ·
Altered mental state |
·
Call 911 ·
Move to a cool area ·
Elevate feet ·
Ice packs on neck, underarms, groin ·
Drink cool fluids ·
Stay until EMS arrives |