Avoiding Heat Stress Reprinted with permission from the Illinois State Florists' Assoc. Bulletin Drink plenty of water. As simple as it sounds, drinking water may prevent heat exhaustion. Drink water – not soft drinks of coffee. Water is immediately available to cool the body and replenish water lost from the blood stream. Soft drinks and other liquids take longer to reach the blood stream. Dress appropriately. Wearing cool colors can help reduce body temperature. Green, a color often worn by landscape crews, is actually hotter than light browns or tans. Dressing appropriately also means dressing safely for the job. Personal protection equipment must always be worn as required. This equipment may increase heat stress, so more frequent rests are required. Cover up. Hats and sun screens can help prevent skin cancer, but also keep the body cooler. Wear a hat with a large brim or apply sun screens to nose and ears before beginning the day and frequently thereafter. Crews and foremen should be made aware of the signs of heat stress, including heat exhaustion and heat cramps. Go easy. Allow enough time to complete every job without having to rush through. Start earlier in the day to take advantage of cool morning temperatures. Allow for adequate numbers of breaks and provide water at every break.