SUMMER SAFETY

SUMMER SAFETY
As summer approaches, a post in BLR's EHS forum is looking for ways to reduce injuries and illnesses this time of year. One great way to promote safety during the summer months is to focus some of your training on the dangers of working in the heat. So before the heat hits, remind your workers of all the ailments the heat can cause.
Heat rash -not dangerous, but definitely uncomfortable; cool clothing, showers after working, and a sprinkling of talcum or cornstarch are all helpful.
Heat stress – as indicated by such symptoms as extreme thirst, fatigue, dizziness and even trouble seeing; take a break in the shade and drink cool water (never alcoholic beverages) to replace lost body fluids.
Heat cramps – painful muscle spasms in arms, legs, or intestines, caused by losing salt as the result of sweating; again, cool down and drink water.
Heat exhaustion – may cause dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, chills with clammy skin and profuse sweating. Have the victim rest in a cool spot, with feet slightly elevated, and drink cool water unless sick to the stomach. If there is no improvement in a short time, call for medical help.
Heat stroke – the most serious, indeed life-threatening, form of heat sickness, in which the cooling action of perspiration stops; skin may be hot to the touch, and the victim may appear confused and show poor coordination. Call a doctor and/or ambulance, move the affected person to a cool place at once and continuously sponge with cold water, apply ice packs, or cold soft-drink cans until medical help arrives.
The results of a recent Safety.BLR.com poll found that 17 percent of respondents found an increase in injuries at their facility during the summer months. Show your workers how they can protect their skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays with these easy tips.
Cover up. Wear tightly-woven clothing that blocks out light. Try this test: Place your hand between a single layer of the clothing and a light source. If you can see your hand through the fabric, the garment offers little protection.
Use sunscreen. A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93 percent of UV rays. You want to block both UVA and UVB rays to guard against skin cancer. Be sure to follow application directions on the bottle.
Wear a hat. A wide brim hat (not a baseball cap) is ideal because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.
Wear UV-absorbent shades. Sunglasses don't have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.
Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. And 4 p.m. If you're unsure about the sun's intensity, take the shadow test: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are the day's strongest.
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