Even though heat-related illnesses are more common in the summer, they can happen in any conditions, indoors or outside. Most of the heat that causes heat illnesses comes from within the body. During both rest and activity, the human body tries to maintain an internal temperature of 98.6 degrees.

Like putting fuel on a fire, working hard increases internal heat. It builds up to an unsafe level when the body can't get rid of the heat fast enough. Sweat is one way the body reduces heat, but sometimes – because of protective clothing or really hot weather -- it's just not enough. That's where resting comes in. Cooling off in the shade is as much about simply stopping work as getting out of the sun. Rest stops the furnace burning.

Failing to rest generally happens when a farmworker feels pressured to keep on working – either by himself or herself when working at a piece rate or by a supervisor. In any case, remember that driving oneself to work through unsafe conditions can do more harm than good in the long run.

Heat illnesses start out mild, but can get worse rapidly and even lead to death. The symptoms of heat illness usually progress like this:

• First, weakness
• Second, a rash on the skin surface
• Third, fainting
• Fourth, cramps
• Fifth, a feeling of complete exhaustion
• Sixth, hot, dry skin, confusion and headache, eventually leading to collapse.

If you or a co-worker experiences any of these symptoms, cool off right away and tell a supervisor.