Summer Safety

Summer weather is upon us! With the increasing temperatures, and longer days, staff who work outside (at home or onsite) need to be aware of the hazards associated with the summer. Some hazards can include:

• Heat stress: the physical heat load on a body due to metabolic heat (physical exertion), environmental factors (air temperature and humidity), and clothing

• Chemical Exposure: use of biocide and herbicide products to maintain laws, pools, or pest control

• Insect and plant hazards: exposure to ticks, mosquitos, and hazardous plants such as wild parsnip and poison ivy, are increased during the summer months as we spend more time outside

In discussion, I will provide you with the basic tips on what to be aware of and how to control heat stress, chemical exposure, and insect/plan hazards.

Heat Stress

Heat stress, including heat stroke or heat exhaustion, is the increase in strain on the body’s ability to regulate temperature due to the increased outside temperature and our activity level. In the summer months, many of us will spend more time outside either gardening or participating in leisure activities. Being aware of the hazards, and taking some early steps to control the risk, will make the summer that much more enjoyable.

Hydration is one of the most important factors to prevent heat related illness in the summer as it provides the body with water to aid in temperature regulation, but it can also provide electrolytes to restore what is lost through sweat. Always keep an adequate supply of drinks with you while working outside or playing. Drinks such as water, sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade, etc.), and low-sugar juices are ideal for consumption. You should stay away from high sugar drinks (soda, fruit punch, etc.) and caffeinated drinks (coffee, iced tea, energy drinks) as these can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can increase the loss of water.

Wearing light coloured, breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, will help the body to regulate temperature by allowing airflow to cool the body while acting as a barrier to sunlight.

Chemical Exposure

As mentioned in our post on pool chemicals, make sure you use chemicals in well-ventilated places, wear proper PPE (gloves, goggles, and/or dust mask), and try to use them when wind is low to prevent it from blowing back onto your clothing. Most herbicides and insecticides will require some time to adhere to the surfaces. Give a few hours after use before playing or working on and prevent children and pets from direct exposure, as even small amounts can be harmful.

Insect and Plant Hazards

With outdoor parks and trails opening up and becoming more popular in the summer, we need to make sure we are aware of the different insects and hazardous plants that are in the area. If you are planning on going to a local park, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the hazardous plants that are common to your area.

Becoming familiar with plants such as wild parsnip (which causes chemical burns if the plant touches skin and exposed to sunlight) can prevent these injuries. Other common hazardous plants include See images below:

Wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants when hiking or in wooded areas can help to prevent insect bites as well as exposure to hazardous/invasive plant species. If you have to remove the plants, wear gloves and safety goggles and thoroughly wash clothing and hands after handling.

Our next discussion will cover heat stress and ways to identify and control the risks.