Farm Worker Dies from Heat Stroke
Joe had been working in the North Carolina tobacco field for just over a week. The first few days on the farm were hot and humid, with welcome breaks of rain. But on this day, there was no rain. The thermometer had already climbed to 95F when Joe stopped for his soda and cracker break at 10 a.m. By the time the temperature reached between 100F and 108F at 3 p.m., Joe complained to the crew leader that he wasn?t feeling well. The crew leader gave Joe a drink of water and drove him back to the workers? housing, where he left Joe to rest for a while. Forty-five minutes later, Joe was found on the steps of the house. He was unconscious. Emergency medical services were called and Joe was transported to the hospital, where his core body temperature was recorded at 108F. But Joe didn?t respond to the medical personnel?s attempts to cool him. His death was attributed to heat stroke.





800-ICW-SAFETY (800.429.7233)
SAFETYOnDemand@icwgroup.com



