Staying Hydrated
As the temperatures soar, your body is at risk for dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of water. By the time your body is feeling thirsty, you are already on your way to becoming dehydrated.
Falling Safely
Even when you practice safe walking habits, slips and falls are sometimes unavoidable. Follow these tips to reduce the risk of injury:
v Try to avoid landing on your knees, wrists or spine and aim for a more fleshy part of the body. Try to relax your muscles as much as possible. You will injure yourself less if you are relaxed.
v If you fall backwards, make a conscious effort to tuck your chin so your head will not hit the ground with full force. /
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
The importance of wearing proper clothing during the summer months cannot be overstated! These tips will help to protect you from the sun, heat related illness, poison ivy and mosquito and tick-borne illness.______
SUN EXPOSURE
v To protect against sun exposure, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
v Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Wear a hat! A wide brimmed hat will protect the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp. Wear UV-absorbent sunglasses.
v Limit exposure. UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
v Find out from your health care provider if your medications and sun exposure don’t mix.
v www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/working_outdoors.pdf
DEALING WITH THE HEAT
Those who work outside during the summer months are at increased risk for heat-related illness. So, take precautions.v Drink small amounts of water frequently.
v Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing – cotton is good.
v Take frequent short breaks in the shade, or work in the shade.
v Eat smaller meals before work activity.
v Avoid caffeine or alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
v Find out from your health care provider if your medications and the heat don’t mix.
v Know that protective equipment, such as respirators or work suits can increase heat stress.
v Know the two types of major heat-related disorders-heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and how to recognize each one and what first aid/emergency treatment is necessary. See OSHA’s Fact Sheet on Heat Illness: www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/3422_factsheet_en.pdf
LYME DISEASE/WEST NILE VIRUS/POISON IVY
Be aware of the symptoms of mosquito and tick-borne diseases and poison ivy. Know how to protect yourself with the following precautions:v To protect against tick-borne illness, cover up. Wear light-colored clothes to see ticks more easily. Wear long sleeves; tuck pant legs into socks or boots. Wear high boots or closed shoes that cover your feet completely. Wear a hat.
v Use tick repellants, but not on your face.
v Shower after work. Wash and dry your work clothes at high temperatures.
v Examine your body for ticks after work. Remove any attached ticks promptly and carefully with fine-tipped tweezers by gripping the tick. Do not use petroleum jelly, a hot match, or nail polish to remove the tick.
v For symptoms of Lyme Disease, view the OSHA Lyme Disease Fact Sheet: www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_LymeFacts/lymefac.pdf
v Protect against West Nile Virus using insect repellent with DEET to exposed skin (not facial skin) and clothing
v Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks.
v Be extra vigilant at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
v Get rid of sources of standing water to reduce or eliminate mosquito breeding areas.
v For symptoms of West Nile Virus, view the OSHA West Nile Virus Fact Sheet: www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/west_nile_virus.pdf
v To protect against poison ivy, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into boots. Wear cloth or leather gloves.
v Apply barrier creams to exposed skin.
v Rubbing alcohol removes the oil from the plant up to 30 minutes after exposure.
v Learn to identify poison ivy, oak and sumac plants.
v Learn to identify the signs and symptoms of contact with poison ivy, oak and sumac plants. www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/sawmills/poison.html