07/10/07 Heat Problems

Heat problems. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report. Summertime has asserted itself in the Northwest. The heat has been cranked up and many ag workers are dealing with the effects. Over the last several years in Washington State at least 2 workers have died due to heat-related stress and the state has activated an emergency rule. FISCHER: It's an emergency rule to protect outdoor workers from heat related illness. It took effect June 18 and it's effective for the summer months  120 days to get us through the hot summer season and then we'll begin the process of adopting a permanent rule so that every year when the weather heats up employers can look to the rule, the same one every year and know exactly what they need to do to protect their workers who work outdoors in the heat. That's Elaine Fischer, spokesperson for the Department of Labor and Industries who is actively training people on how to combat the heat. They have already held a number of train the trainer sessions designed to make employers aware of what needs to be addressed in a heat-related issue. FISCHER: Well it requires employers to evaluate their workplaces and to have a plan in place if their employees will be at risk from heat-related illness. Then teach the employees how to recognize heat related illness and actually do some training with the employees. They have to provide sufficient drinking water; at least one quart per employee per hour and then they also have to have a response plan in place if an employee starts to feel sick from working in the heat. Tomorrow more with Elaine Fischer on dealing with heat-related issues. That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.