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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: (202)219-7317 x108
With hotter than normal temperatures scorching much of the United
States, Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman today expressed concern for migrant
farm workers. She advised their employers to provide plenty of water for the
workers and to take other precautions to protect them from the heat's dangers.
"Excessive heat makes the difficult work of farm labor potentially
lethal," Secretary Herman said. "Growers must provide water and the time to
drink it. Frequent rest breaks are important. We know of no farm workers who
have died from the heat so far this summer. It's important to keep it that
way."
The hottest work in late summer is in the corn fields of the nation's
midsection, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas, where workers are de-tasseling
in the hybrid seed corn fields. Little air movement occurs in those fields.
Last year two workers reportedly died in heat-related deaths in midwestern corn
fields.
"Growers can provide shade with awnings or other shelter," Herman said.
"But maybe in this heat wave work in the fields can be done in the early
mornings and evenings so people won't be exposed to the worst heat of the day."
An estimated 2.5 million farm workers work in agricultural fields
throughout the country, with about half of them migrants who work in
north-south streams following crop harvests. Other hot spots right now include
vegetable picking in western Colorado and Florida and melon harvesting in the
Rio Grande Valley in Texas. As summer progresses, farm workers will be working
the fields of California for such crops as apricots, celery, grapefruit and
strawberries, the blueberry fields in New England and in the apple and peach
orchards of the northeast.
The Labor Department advises all workers who work outdoors or in hot
environments to take frequent rest breaks; drink at least a quart of water an
hour; if possible, do not work in the heat between 2 and 5 p.m.; stay in shade
as much as possible; wear a hat for protection; avoid alcoholic beverages,
including beer, as well as soft drinks and caffeine drinks, because they are
dehydrating, and administer first aid at the first sign of heat illness.
The primary danger is from heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can
lead to death. Signs of a heat exhaustion include pale and clammy skin,
weakness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headache, cramps, and vomiting. Call for
medical attention immediately if anyone begins to exhibit any of these
symptoms. While waiting for help, keep the person as cool with water or
fanning.
If heat exhaustion is not treated it may advance to heat stroke. Its
symptoms include hot and dry skin (often red like sunburned), mental confusion,
convulsions, loss of coordination or consciousness, and body temperatures of
106 degrees or higher. Should heat stroke occur, seek emergency help
immediately. Move the person to a cool shaded area. If ice is available, cool
the individual by placing ice packs under the arm pits and in the groin area.
Do not leave the person alone.
The Labor Department's Wage and Hour Division investigators will be
handing out flyers in the field to educate farm workers and growers about
precautions to take in the summer heat. The department also is releasing a
radio public service announcements in Spanish and English, available at
1-800-877-9002. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration publishes
"Protecting Workers in Hot Environments," fact sheet No. 95-16, available from
OSHA's publication office at (202) 219-4667.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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