Heatwave Warning for Outdoor Work During Daytime Hours: Beware of Heat-Related Illnesses

[Asia Economy (Hongseong) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] The Chungnam Provincial Agricultural Research and Extension Services has urged caution against outdoor heat-related illnesses during daytime hours.

According to the Provincial Agricultural Research and Extension Services and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 19th, there have been 11,144 cases of heat-related illnesses in the past five years, with 96 deaths reported.

Heat-related illnesses have been found to occur mainly at outdoor workplaces, rice paddies and fields, sports grounds, and parks (58%), with the time concentrated between 12 PM and 5 PM (55%).

The Provincial Agricultural Research and Extension Services urges people to refrain from outdoor activities and agricultural work during heatwaves, to drink fluids frequently, and to wear loose and light clothing as basic preventive measures.

Additionally, if a heat-related illness occurs or is witnessed, it is important to check the patient's consciousness, move them to a cool place, and provide water or sports drinks. Afterwards, cooling the body with a fan or fanning is crucial.

However, if the patient is unable to maintain their posture or is unconscious due to heat-related illness, fluid intake poses a risk of choking, so immediate contact with 119 emergency services or the nearest medical institution is necessary for prompt action.

Kim Chang-hee, head of the Agricultural Safety Team at the Provincial Agricultural Research and Extension Services, emphasized, “To minimize safety accidents among farmers caused by heat-related illnesses, outdoor agricultural work should be avoided during heatwaves and safety rules must be followed.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.