Summer Safety

Summer is upon us! As you work outside don't forget to put safety first. Drink plenty of fluids if you're working outside in the heat and remember to wear sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. And keep in mind the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. A person suffering from heat stroke requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of heat stroke include mental confusion, deliriousness, loss of consciousness, convulsions, increased body temperature and hot, dry skin.

Another heat-related disorder is heat exhaustion. If you see anyone with symptoms of heat exhaustion—clammy, moist skin, pale or flushed complexion, fatigue, nausea, headaches, excessive perspiration, and giddiness—remove the person to a shaded area and have the person drink a sports drink before seeking medical attention.

Other common summer dangers are mosquito and tick bites; bee stings; poison ivy, oak and sumac; snake bites; and food-related illnesses.

For more information about summer safety on the worksite and elsewhere, visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website at www.osha.gov.

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