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Provided by Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation

The heat this year has been astounding with record-breaking high temperatures reported across the state, even before the official first day of summer. Farmers, in particular, know that every Ohio summer is packed with unpredictable weather which begs the reminder for ways to stay safe in the heat.

Heat stress can lead to increased fatigue and diminished motor coordination, potentially causing illness or injury. Here are a few tips from Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) that may help prevent heat stress.

Hydrate often

Dehydration is the primary cause of heat stress. It is crucial for those working in the heat to replace fluids lost from sweat regularly. Staying hydrated will keep you and your workers safe and alert. Experts recommend one cup of cool water every 15-20 minutes while working in the heat, even if you are not feeling thirsty.

Stay aware

Cramps, headaches and dizziness can be symptoms of heat exhaustion, so it’s important to pay attention to how you are feeling, especially on hotter days. If you experience any of these symptoms, make sure to find a shady area, take a break and hydrate. It’s also important to check in often with those on your team and watch for signs of heat exhaustion.

Be alert

Heat-related illnesses may appear less severe than they really are. If you observe someone experiencing signs of heat stroke (confusion, slurred speech, seizures, very high body temperature, rapid heart rate, unconsciousness) seek medical help immediately. 

Prepare a heat illness prevention plan

BWC offers a variety of free consulting services, including safety services for those working in agriculture. Consultants can help you put together a heat illness prevention plan that includes heat stress awareness training, health screenings, first-aid training and more.

For help with this free service, contact your local BWC service office, call 800-644-6292, or submit a request online. Please have your BWC policy number ready. A safety consultant will contact you within two business days.

Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. We’ve got you Covered.
Established in 1912, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is the exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Ohio, serving 249,000 public and private employers. With nearly 1,600 employees and assets of approximately $25 billion, BWC is one of the largest state-run insurance systems in the United States. For more, visit bwc.ohio.gov.
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
Kevin Holy's avatar
Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
We really appreciate what Farm Bureau has done to get people interested in this line of work and workforce development and getting people interested in this industry.
Jody Brown Boyd's avatar
Jody Brown Boyd

Brown's Family Farm Market

Finding farm labor
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
Ernie Welch's avatar
Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
We work terrifically with the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau, hosting at least one to two outreach town hall events every year to educate new farmers and existing farmers on traditional CAUV and woodlands.
David Thomas's avatar
David Thomas

Ashtabula County Auditor

CAUV: Past, present and future
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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