Heat exhaustion

[grasschaser]

Hey guys I just wanted to remind every body to be careful out there in the heat. Especially you new guys who think you are indestructalbe and can withstand any situation.

I was cutting today and saw another lco cutting on the next property and I could tell that something was wrong. I went over to him and made sure he was alright and he was real pale and could not stand up straight. Come to find out he had been working and never stopped to get water or any other form of beverage today. I went over to my truck and got him some water and a wet towel and made him sit under a tree untill he could function properly.

I know this is a common problem and people must remember to drink often. If this guy would of not stopped he may of passed out or even died. This is a serious situation so remember to always carry water with you daily and if you feel funny stop and take a break. I know the foreman would rather you stop and take a break than pass out in the middle of a job.

Work hard but in the process be safe. You are just like your equiptment it takes proper maintanence to keep you running.

[Woody]

Great advice, Grasschaser! Nice of you to help him out. I wish we had to worry about such things up here in Ohio. More like, put on your personal flotation device to mow. It hasn't been this rainy, this cold, and this downright miserable since 1993 (the year of the great floods). Difference is that, back then, I jumped in the car and drove to San Diego! No kidding!

If this keeps up much longer, I might start working on an ark.

Woody

[Bill645]

Couln't agree with you more! It is very easy to get dehydrated. I always carry about a gallon of water with me. As you said in your post, your just like any other equipment you have, and need to be properly maintained. Skipping a meal(s) isn't a good thing either, esp. combined with dehydration.

Soda will also dehydrate, due to there being so much sugar in soda. The best thing to drink is water. If you want to add some flavor to it, you can squeeze some lemon juice and add it till you get the taste that you like.

Check out this link for more info http://www.umm.edu/non_trauma/dehyrat.htm

Dehydration is a serious thing and can lead to more serious problems...

Drink plenty of fluids everybody!

[Maddog]

I couldn't agree more. I carry water all the time and often brief those that work with me that they need to take a break often and get some water. When we have spells of real hot wheather I make them take a break at least every 15-20 minutes, get some water and sit in the shade for a few minute.

I would rather it take 1-2 hours more to complete the days work than for some one to get sick. Not to mention you will loose a lot more time is some one does get sick.

Bottom like I am not going to sacrifice any of my worker health or mine to meet a schedule it isn't worth it.

[duratree]

I wanted to bump this thread even though it is 4 years old. I fell victim to heat exhaustion today due to the fact I didn't bring enough gatorade. Had a severe headache, vommiting, irritability. I thought it was going to be an early day. I finished about 4 hours after I should of due to everyone being home on labor day, and also new customers wanting me to do some work for them. Always carry plenty of water, gatorade, Etc.

[Scott]

you're right, heat exhaustion is no joke. You won't even be right tomorrow. Best thing to do is drink nothing but water and rest. I would suggest taking Tuesday off but I'm sure you schedule is pretty tight.

[steve-o]

do as i do......... no more problems

1 bottle of water for every yard, meaning at least 2 per hour and 4 to 6 saltine crackers per yard and even some salted sunflower seeds thrown in. works for me. oh yea, load up the night b/4 on mgd and jd and coke if you have it. i never have problems, but then again i'm old school. no gatorade.

steve

[spotremix]

i just bring a 5 gallon jug of water with me and drink it between yards. no certain amount just how ever much i'm thirsty.

[yardboy]

Sit in your office in the A/C, and let your beeooocccccchhhhhhsssss do the dirty work!

[nick11380]

I'd drink more water but the more I drink the more I have to pee. And it's not like we have access to a bathroom.

[Triple D]

I'd drink more water but the more I drink the more I have to pee. And it's not like we have access to a bathroom.

If you don't need to go to the bathroom you are not drinking enough water. We go out everyday with 5 gal. cooler of water and a 2 1/2 gal of gatorade. I don't mind stoping and filling them up if we need to. Me and my crew do it this way every yard, after we finish the yard we get a cup of water or gatorade and drink it on the spot, then fill back up and travel to the next job drinking the other cup. But I never mind my guys going back to the truck for more any time of the day. We also keep lunch meat and snacks in a cooler for frequent snacks or small meals.

When it is going to be above 90 we start work at 6 am and usually work straight through till 2 pm and call it a day. If for some reason we don't finish that days work I will go back out around 6 or so but that is very rare.

The health of my guys and myself is #1 no if, and, or buts,

[steve-o]

you have to be joking, right???????????

I'd drink more water but the more I drink the more I have to pee. And it's not like we have access to a bathroom.

you ever hear of a gatorade bottle or a coffee can in the cab of your truck. damn yankees.....................

steve

[Bulldog26]

I'd drink more water but the more I drink the more I have to pee. And it's not like we have access to a bathroom.

One of the reasons to have an enclosed trailer.

[INlawns]

you ever hear of a gatorade bottle or a coffee can in the cab of your truck. damn yankees.....................

steve

Doesn't your daughter work with you? Ill bet that works out real well for her.

[steve-o]

she knew the rules going in

Doesn't your daughter work with you? Ill bet that works out real well for her.

we run a 16' enclosed trl on mowing so the old plastic coffee can is the toilet of choice. i carry a 5 gal. bucket with liners for bigger jobs. :laughing:
i also carry baby wipes and toilet paper. now when we use the open trl. that's a different deal. i have an extended cab p/u that has the back windows tinted. so you just make the best of it. me, i just sit in the front seat with the old gatorade bottle. wide mouthed of course.

steve