Beating the Heat on Farms

June 14, 2024
· by · in

By Wayne Dellinger, Aaron Wilson, and Dee Jepson. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team.

As we reach the middle of June, there is growing concern for human and livestock welfare as we approach our first heat wave of the season. With forecast highs in the mid to upper 90s and little relief in the evenings in the coming week, steps need to be taken to ensure everyone stays cool and safe.

Looking at the numbers:

  • On April 24, 2024, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under the Department of Labor, presented a draft of the framework that addresses heightened efforts to keep workers safe in the heat. This particularly focuses on dangers to agricultural workers. Since 2022, OSHA has conducted almost 5,000 inspections that were heat-related.
  • A study using the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries database found that heat-related deaths are 35 times higher in farm workers when compared to workers in other industries.
  • Ohio State University researchers have estimated that economic loss to the United States livestock and poultry industries due to heat stress can range from $1.9 to $2.7 billion annually.A verticle bar graph showing the difference between heat related deaths and other weather related deaths. Shows data for 2023, 10 year average, and 30 year average.

Keeping an eye on the weather forecast is the first step to prevention. Much attention is given to tornado, severe storms, and floods. However, according to the National Weather Service, heat-related deaths are still the greatest weather-related cause of death in the U.S.

Heat advisories and excessive heat warmings are both based on the heat index which is a combination of air temperature and humidity. Heat advisories are issued when indices are expected
Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress to be 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for at least two days while excessive heat warnings are issued for indices of 105 Fahrenheit and higher for at least two days.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real possibilities with indices this high while also possible at lower levels depending on the health of the individual. Here are some best management practices to keep you and your livestock more comfortable:

Farmers and employees:

  1. Start the day well hydrated and keep drinking water regularly through the day. If you wait until you are thirsty, you have waited too long.
  2. Keep particularly strenuous tasks (especially those requiring additional personal protective equipment) to the cooler parts of the day when possible.
  3. Increase number of breaks and slowly build up a tolerance to working in the heat, especially in the first few high heat events in the season.

Livestock:

  1. Ensure all ventilation equipment in barns is well maintained and functioning properly. If temperature alarms are present, test them.
  2. Always have fresh, clean water available to the animals.
  3. Shade must be available for animals not confined in structures.
  4. Consider changing feeding times for animals. Feed intake produces heat. This usually peaks 4 to 6 hours after feeding. Receiving more of the daily ration after the heat of the day will help relieve some of this added stress.A diagram explaining the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Prevention of heat-related illness is ideal, but awareness of the signs to watch for is also important to be prepared for action. According to OSHA, heat exhaustion symptoms include fatigue, irritability, thirst, nausea, dizziness, heavy sweating, and elevated body temperature or fast heart rate. If you or someone you are with is experiencing these symptoms, move to a cooler area and cool the body by loosening clothing, drinking water, fanning, or use cool, wet towels. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

Heat stroke is the most serious of heat-related illnesses. Regardless of age, over 20% of those suffering from heat stroke will die. In addition to the symptoms of heat exhaustion, a heat stroke victim will also show signs of confusion, slurred speech, unconsciousness, seizures, or hot, dry skin. If these additional symptoms are observed, take same action as heat exhaustion, and dial 911 immediately.

Wayne Dellinger, ANR Educator Union County, can be reached at 937-644-8117 or dellinger.6@osu.edu.
Aaron Wilson, Ag Weather and Climate Field Specialist, can be reached at 614-292-7930 or wilson.1010@osu.edu.
Dee Jepsen, Professor and State Agricultural Safety and Health Leader, can be reached at (614) 292-6008 or Jepsen.4@osu.edu.
This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/.