Heightened heat alertness

Forecasters have predicted another hot summer is about to blanket nearly the entire United States. From June through August, temperatures are predicted to run at least two degrees above historical averages across more than half of the country. Unless you live in Lake Tahoe, Acadia National Park, or a few other temperate climes, millions of Americans will soon be hunkering down inside and cranking up the AC.

Of course, those folks don’t have your job or your crews’ jobs. They are not charged with nurturing and maintaining the nation’s golf courses and are not required to be exposed to the dangerous and sometimes life-threatening effects of the sun for extended periods.

Your people are your most valuable resource. Caring for them and keeping them safe is a superintendent’s top priority and a major consideration for the entire management team. As we get closer to summer’s peak temperatures, it’s a valuable exercise to review the differences in heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and to know what to do in the critical moments after someone begins exhibiting signs of heat-related stress.

Some symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke are similar. In both instances, for example, a person may have a severe headache and be nauseous or vomiting. The most obvious difference between the two is that a person suffering from heat exhaustion will show signs of heavy sweating, while someone in the throes of heat stroke will not be sweating; in fact, their skin will be dry.

The other early warnings of heat exhaustion are dizziness and fainting, cold or clammy skin, muscle cramps and excessive thirst. At the first sign of heat exhaustion, it is important to take the following steps:

• Move to an air-conditioned space and lie down.
• Take a cold shower or use cold compresses to cool off.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Remove tight or extra clothing layers.
• If vomiting continues, seek medical attention.

Unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke requires immediate medical attention. In addition to being nauseous and vomiting, someone experiencing heat stroke may seem confused and lose consciousness. They also may have an elevated heart rate. The medical marker is a core body temperature of 104 degrees.

If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately and begin cooling the affected person steadily. Also take the following steps:

• Move the person to a cooler place.
• Use cold compresses to get their temperature down.
• Do not give fluids.
• Lay the person down and raise their legs and feet slightly.
• Remove tight or heavy clothing.
• Monitor the person carefully.

In addition to health-related concerns, extreme heat also takes a toll on productivity. According to a report from the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health, extreme heat reduces productivity by more than 295 billion work hours globally each year. Concerned about a loss of productivity, managers not accustomed to their crews working in extreme heat may be dismissive of its effects. What’s more, some workers diminish their symptoms to indicate their readiness to work, especially if their teammates continue their work.

Experienced superintendents and managers know that if left untreated, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can have serious consequences, including death. Preventative tactics being used by seasoned superintendents include:

• Liquid consumption competitions with the goal being to drink one-half of your weight in ounces through the day.
• Ice-down breaks that allow workers to return to the shop to cool down or for a co-worker to bring ice and cold water onto the course for their teammates.
• More breaks per day to ensure that workers are cooling down.
• Supervisors checking workers’ readiness before they are allowed to return to the course.

It’s at this time of year that the sun becomes our chief ally while at the same time presenting the greatest risk. As temperatures begin to climb, so do the risks for superintendents and their crews. Don’t take chances. Know the warning signs for heat exhaustion and heat stroke and be prepared to act quickly. Your actions could save a life.