Goheung-gun Urges Caution for Heat-Related Illnesses During Farm Work Amid Heatwave

Published 07 Aug.2023 12:21(KST)

Emphasis on Compliance with Heat-Related Illness Prevention Guidelines for Farmers

Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Gong Young-min) has issued a heatwave advisory and, with the heatwave expected to continue for the time being, urged caution regarding heat-related illnesses to protect the health and safety of farmers during the summer season.

Heat-related illnesses are acute conditions caused by heat, with heatstroke and heat exhaustion being the most representative. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased consciousness can occur when exposed to hot environments for extended periods, and if left untreated, these conditions can be life-threatening.

[Photo by Goheung-gun]

According to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the average annual number of heat-related illness cases over the past three years was 1,339, with numbers increasing each year. Among these, an average of 218 cases (16.3%) occurred in rice paddies, fields, and vinyl greenhouses, with more than half of the incidents concentrated between 12 PM and 5 PM.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, the county plans to distribute a summer health and safety management guidebook for farmers and provide heatwave accident prevention education linked with training at the Agricultural Technology Center. In cooperation with farmer organizations and agricultural safety leaders, they will also conduct on-site visits to vulnerable farmers to spread heat illness prevention guidelines.

An official from the Agricultural Technology Center stated, “Farmers’ health is essential for the sustainability and development of rural areas.” He added, “To prevent heat-related illnesses and maintain health during the summer, please drink cool water frequently, avoid farming activities during the hottest hours (10 AM to 5 PM), and take sufficient breaks during work, adhering closely to prevention and management guidelines.”

Meanwhile, since 2022, the Goheung Agricultural Technology Center has been distributing air-cooled vests for farming work, developed by the Rural Development Administration, to farmers vulnerable to heat in facility greenhouses. They have also installed rest facilities to help farmers escape the heat, receiving great positive feedback from the farming community.