The National Safety Council's 50th anniversity of National Farm Safety and Health Week is supported by UC Cooperative Extension farm advisors, specialists, the USDA, farm organizations, and other sponsors. Here's Jenny Rodriguez, UC Ag Health and Safety Center Representative with a safety message on avoiding heat stress while handling pesticides.
Heat stress occurs when the body builds up more heat than it can cope with.
Heat stress isn't caused by pesticide exposure, but may affect handlers working in hot conditions. Pesticide label-specified personal protective equipment is the minimum to use. Schedule frequent breaks to cool down, and time the heaviest workload during the coolest part of the day. Severe heat stress called heat stroke, can be fatal. Signs include fatique, headache, chills, dizziness, loss of coordination, severe thirst, and altered behavior.