Many parts of Colorado are experiencing record-breaking heat this year. As a result, it’s critical to reinforce heat safety measures with your landscape crew. Make sure your company is taking steps to prevent heat illness, to recognize it if it does occur, and to understand the best way to treat heat illness.

There are two types of heat illness: heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Each has its own unique symptoms, but both are serious and can result in death if not recognized and properly treated. The basic recommendation is water, rest, and shade.

OSHA offers these steps for heat safety:

1. Drink water even if you aren’t thirsty--every 15 minutes.
2. Know where you are working in case you need to call 911.
3. Rest in the shade.
4. Wear a hat and light-colored clothing.
5. Watch out for each other.

Having an emergency plan in place is crucial to the health and safety of your crew. Train every employee so that they can recognize the signs of illness in co-workers and respond quickly. OSHA has a wealth of resources for employers for training employees and putting a plan in place, and multiple federal agencies have joined forces to present the National Integrated Heat Health Information System. There’s also the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool for iPhones and Android devices.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW:
Efficient landscape irrigation can help ease the pain of drought
New job board offers hiring managers greater reach
Camera phone and some creativity can boost your social media
Timberline and DBC Irrigation host high school interns