Heat illness can come on quickly, and requires more than just drinking water to prevent. Photos courtesy of Golf Safety
Editor’s note: The following article was supplied by Golf Safety. All product claims, research cited and other information is directly from the company.
As the temperatures climb during the sweltering summer months, ensuring that you and your crew stay safe from heat-related illnesses becomes more crucial than ever. At Golf Safety, we believe in arming you with the right knowledge to combat the risks
associated with working under the blazing sun. In this article, we’re debunking some common myths about heat illness and sun safety, and providing practical advice to keep your crew safe on the course. Let’s dive into these misconceptions
and set the record straight!
Myth 1: “I’m safe because I’m used to the heat.”
It’s a common belief that being acclimatized to high temperatures offers immunity from heat-related illnesses. However, no matter how familiar you are with the heat, the risk of heat illness remains high. Paul Watkins, superintendent of River Crest
Country Club in Fort Worth, emphasizes the need for continuous reminders and safety training to keep heat safety measures fresh in your crew’s minds. “We’ve got a pretty experienced crew here. They've been here a long time, so they've
been through it, but they need to be reminded.”
Being accustomed to the heat does not provide immunity. Regular safety training and vigilance in identifying heat illness symptoms are crucial.
Myth 2: “You can skip sunscreen on cloudy days.”
Many people underestimate the power of UV rays on overcast days, leading to inadequate sun protection. The truth is, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause skin damage. Scott Corwin, director of golf course and landscape maintenance at Timber
Pines Golf Course, stresses the importance of continuously checking the UV index throughout the day. “Like a lot of people down here, we watch the weather numerous times throughout the day,” Corwin tells us.
To keep your crew safe during the summer months, make sure you consistently check the OSHA Heat Safety Tool app, which shares the real-time heat index, as well as warnings for dangerous temperatures and UV levels. You should also remind your crew to always
sunscreen, even on cloudy days. UV rays can still cause significant skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Myth 3: “Drinking water Is enough to stay hydrated.”
While staying hydrated is critical, water alone will not suffice, especially during prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining bodily functions and preventing heat exhaustion. Paul Watkins makes sure his crew
has access to electrolyte-rich drinks throughout the day to maintain the balance of essential salts and prevent heat-related illnesses. “We encourage coolers with ice water or jugs or whatever they might have,” Watkins explains, “And
having a ten-gallon thing of Gatorade for them every day, just keep the electrolytes in, it's about all we can do.”
Heat illness can occur during moderate heat as well as during extreme heat.
Myth 4: “Heat illness only occurs in extreme heat.”
Heat-related illnesses can develop not only in extreme temperatures but also during moderate heat if proper precautions are not taken. Heat stress can occur with low fluid consumption, limited air circulation, and direct sun exposure.
Always be cautious, even on days that don’t seem overly hot. Monitor weather conditions on the OSHA Heat Safety Tool app like superintendent Scott Corwin recommends, and adjust work schedules to avoid the hottest part of the day .“We definitely
don't push the guys this time of year. We regulate the hours and make sure we’re not working in the afternoon during the summer months,” he explains. “That really helps a lot to mitigate the risks.”
Myth 5: “You’ll feel heat illness coming on slowly.”
Heat illness can escalate quickly, often catching individuals off guard. Early symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or reduced sweating should not be ignored. Paul Watkins recounts a close call with one of his crew members, where early detection of
his symptoms helped them prevent a dangerous outcome. “I had a guy who was struggling, so I went and talked to him, and he said that he just stopped sweating,” says Watkins. “He's like, ‘I was pouring down sweat and he's like,
all of a sudden it stopped. And I knew something was wrong.’”
Stay vigilant for the early signs of heat illness in yourself and others. Symptoms can develop rapidly, so make sure you act immediately.
Myth 6: “Heat safety training is a one-time thing.”
A single safety briefing at the start of the season is not enough to ensure continuous heat safety awareness. Paul Watkins highlights the importance of ongoing education: “It's just the constant reminder. I think we all know heat safety…
But the most important thing is just refreshing.”
Incorporate regular reminders and training sessions into your routine to keep heat safety practices current and top of mind for your crew. This approach helps reinforce knowledge and readiness to tackle heat-related risks. Debunking these myths is a critical
step toward ensuring the safety of your crew on the golf course during the hot summer months. Equip your team with the right knowledge and tools to combat heat-related illnesses and sun exposure. Remember, consistent training, vigilance, and protective
measures are your best defense against the dangers of working in high temperatures.
For more comprehensive training and safety resources, explore Golf Safety’s range of instructional videos and guidelines to keep your crew safe and productive this summer.