Summer months pose special hazards for outdoor workers who must
protect themselves against heat and sun exposure. Heat related
illness often does not receive as much attention as other
workplace hazards and is often under reported. A high profile
case of heat stroke was that of Korey Stringer, a 27-year-old
member of the Minnesota Vikings football team. On Aug. 1, 2001,
he collapsed after two and a half hours of practice in 90 degree
heat. At the hospital, his core body temperature was recorded at
108 degrees. He died shortly thereafter of major organ failure.
Many were shocked at how sudden and serious the consequences of
heat exposure can be, but his tragic story brought to light a
serious workplace hazard that concerns thousands of workers
every year. According to OSHA, the combination of heat and
humidity can be a serious health threat during the summer
months. Since landscapers and lawn care operators often spend a
lot of time outdoors, they may be at increased risk for heat-
related illness. Here are sev