Working outdoors is not without its safety concerns. At Lanracorp, Inc., the health and safety of our workers is our top priority. That’s why we work diligently each and every day to ensure proper precautions are being taken for our employees. Summer months can be especially dangerous. Here are some of the top outdoor hazards workers face as well as how to prevent them.
Extreme Heat
As we discussed in last month’s blog, the summer sun makes individuals more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion. These are serious conditions that require immediate medical attention and, left unidentified or untreated, can be life-threatening.
What to do: To prevent heat-related illnesses, it’s important to be aware of symptoms as well as common risk factors. Limit time and exposure outdoors if possible and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. If you or someone you know shows signs of these conditions, seek medical assistance immediately and do your best to lower the body temperature of the affected individual.
Sun Exposure
Those working outdoors also need to be wary of sun exposure. The UV rays emitted by the sun can wreak havoc on unprotected skin and can manifest itself in the form of sun burn and, if left untreated, can cause premature aging, sun poisoning and even skin cancer. These rays can also affect your eyesight, increasing the risk of potentially blinding eyes diseases.
What to do: When working outdoors, the best practice is to always wear sunscreen. Experts recommend applying SPF 15 or higher to exposed areas of skin such as the face, shoulders, arms and legs. Long sleeves, pants and hats are a great way to protect yourself. If you’re wearing sunglasses, doctors suggest making sure they block both UVA and UVB rays.
Noise
One of the most common work-related hazards in the United States is hearing loss. In fact, nearly one out of every four cases of hearing loss or damage are caused by worked related noise exposure. Even outdoors, those working with particularly large or noisy pieces of equipment are especially at-risk for permanent damage.
What to do: When working with or operating heavy equipment or machinery, always wear hearing protection. Limiting unnecessary exposure to loud noises, both on and off the job will also decrease chances for hearing loss.
Allergies & Poisonous Plants
No matter the time of year, working outdoors can expose workers to allergens. Whiles these may vary from one season to another, the two most common outdoor allergens come from pollens (tree, grass and weed) or molds. These often cause mild symptoms such as sneezing, itching or watery eyes. Other plants can also lead to more serious issues, especially if they come into contact with the skin. When working outdoors, thorns, poison ivy, poison oak and other plants can cause rashes, skin irritations or, in some instances, severe allergic reactions.
What to do: In this case, knowledge is power. Knowing what type of plants you’ll be working around will help you to determine how to proceed moving forward. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, talk to your doctor or visit your local pharmacy to find allergy medication that fits you and your needs. For those that are working in hazardous areas, wearing long sleeves and pants will prevent skin exposure. Also, limit touching your face and eyes, and wash your hands frequently.
Animals & Insects
Finally, if you’re working outdoors, be prepared to encounter insects and other critters. Mosquitos and ticks can spread parasites, bacteria or viruses, the most common of which are West Nile Virus and Lyme disease. Venomous spiders and snakes also pose a threat to workers as well as other types of insects and scorpions.
What to do: Before heading to work, employers and employees should be aware of the potential dangers they face on site. Hats and long sleeves will protect exposed skin. Workers might also consider insect repellant. In the event of an insect bite or sting, wash the affected area and get medical attention.
At Lanracorp, we believe that safety doesn’t happen by accident. The best way to avoid outdoor hazards, especially during the summer months is to create a culture that emphasizes safety. That’s what we do.