Sugarcane Worker Dies from Heat Stroke – Louisiana

Louisiana Case Report: 24LA001
Release Date: May 15, 2024

The following report is the product of our Cooperative State partner and is presented here in its original unedited form from the state. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the individual Cooperative State partner and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

SUMMARY

On August 5, 2019, a 52-year-old male Hispanic farm worker exhibited symptoms of heat-related illness and later fell unconscious after working outside for several hours. Paramedics were called to the scene, and he was transported to a local hospital, after which he was airlifted to a regional medical center and admitted to the ICU. He died several days later from heat stroke on August 11, 2019.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

Key contributing factors identified in this investigation include:

• Insufficient worker acclimatization program
• Lack of adequate breaks and shaded areas for workers
• Failure to monitor for symptoms of heat-related illness
• Lack of a written heat-related illness prevention plan

RECOMMENDATIONS

Louisiana FACE investigators concluded that, to help prevent similar occurrences, employers should:

• Develop and implement an acclimatization program for each worker at risk of heat-related illness.
• Provide enough breaks with adequate shaded areas for workers.
• Monitor workers for symptoms of heat-related illness during periods of heat stress.
• Develop a written heat-related illness prevention program.

Sugarcane Worker Dies from Heat Stroke – Louisiana [PDF – 1,018 KB]