Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Michigan: Landscape Mowing Assistant Dies from Heat Stroke.

摘要

On May 30, 2002, a 30-year old landscape mowing assistant collapsed and died at the end of a day of caring for residential lawns. A typical days work consisted of mowing, edging, trimming with a weed whip, and finishing with a back-pack blower. His partner, the leader of the two-man crew, witnessed his collapse and immediately called for help. Emergency medical assistance responded and he was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. At the hospital, a rectal temperature of 107.6 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded. Recommendations: (1) Employers should ensure that supervisors/managers regularly monitor workers during periods of high heat stress/strain. (2) Have medical care providers identify workers who take medications or who have medical conditions that would predispose them to heat-related illnesses. (3) Train supervisors and employees regarding heat stress, heat strain and heat-related illnesses in early spring. (4) Ensure all employees are able to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness in themselves and in others. (5) Stress the importance of drinking nonalcoholic beverages before, during and after working in hot conditions. (6) Periodically remind workers of the signs of heat-related illness and of the importance of drinking copious amounts of water during hot conditions.