A farm worker's death from heat stroke last month and forecast hot weather prompted state workplace safety officials Tuesday to issue a hazard alert.
"We've had some really hot weather and we felt it was time to remind people that heat builds up and causes stress or stroke. People may not recognize the symptoms," said Elaine Fischer, spokeswoman for the Department of Labor & Industries.
High temperatures between 90 and 96 degrees are expected today in the Yakima Valley but could climb to 101 degrees Thursday and continue in triple digits through early next week, according to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, Ore.
Agricultural workers are especially vulnerable to heat. The Yakima County coroner's office confirmed that Manuel G. Camacho, 64, of Moxee, died from a heat stroke suffered July 19 at Roy Farms.
L&I is investigating circumstances of the death as required by law, according to Fischer. Officials at Roy Farms in Moxee were not available for comment.
Heat stress takes three forms: cramps, exhaustion and stroke. Signs of stress include heavy sweating, panting, weakness, fatigue, headache and cramps.
Heat stroke can be indicated by mental confusion, loss of consciousness, giddiness, convulsions, nausea, a body temperature of 106 degrees or higher, loss of coordination, cramps, and hot, dry skin. Victims do not sweat.
L&I said someone suffering from heat exhaustion should be moved to shade, watched closely, given a cup of water every 15 minutes and fanned with cool air or cooled with wet towels. Clothing should be removed or loosened.
In the event of heat stroke, emergency personnel should be called immediately. In addition to the steps followed under heat exhaustion, ice should be placed under armpits and in the groin area.
Regardless of whether they are thirsty, field workers should drink about one quart of water an hour, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's division of occupational health and safety.
Three recent deaths on farms in California's Central Valley have sparked intense debate by that state's Legislature over a bill that would require growers to add rest periods and provide shade when temperatures exceed 95 degrees.
For more information: http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/hazalerts/
heatstress.pdf
Leah Beth Ward can be reached at 577-7626 or lward
@yakima-herald.com.YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC [WA]
