Tag Archives: Heat

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR ROOFING FOR MANY YEARS (GUEST POST)

Having a home may be a major milestone in a person’s life, but finding the right roofing in Tennessee or elsewhere may feel more like a burden.  If you’re like most people, your knowledge of roofing may be limited at best.  So, when you notice that dreaded drip coming from your ceiling, you know it is time to find an expert to take care of the problem for you.  The problem with this thinking is that by the time you’ve seen a leak in your ceiling, you’re likely looking at additional damage that may have already started many months before.  The cost of replacing a roof can be quite prohibitive, so if you’re smart about it, you’ll find ways to maintain your roof in good condition for as long as possible.
 
Have an Annual Checkup
 
The roof of your house is probably the most vulnerable part of your house; it will be subject to all manner of environmental conditions ranging from burning heat in the summer time to torrential rains, snow and hail in the winter.  It is important that you have it inspected at least once a year so that you can detect signs of damage before they become major problems.  Check the materials for cracked caulk, rust, buckling, curling or blistering; these are early signs that something is beginning to deteriorate.
 
Catch Leaks  Before They Start 
 
 If you notice any dark areas on the ceiling inside your house, paint beginning to peel or dampness around your fireplace, chances is that a leak has begun.  Once you see these signs you know it’s time for some prevention work to be done.  Get a professional in immediately to fix the problem.  The longer you wait the worse the problem will become.  Control the Environment 

Trees often have low hanging branches that can scrape and damage the roof over time.  Removing those branches can do a lot to save your roof from all sorts of problems.  Rodents, squirrels and other little creepy crawlies can use those branches to get on your roof and gnaw their way inside your house.  To avoid these types of problems it is best to remove any branches within 10 feet of your home. 

Most roofs will last for 30 to 40 years if they are maintained in good condition.  Learning how to watch for early warning signs of damage or potential problems can save you lots of money and even avoid other problems inside your home.  If you know the condition of your roof then you know the condition of your house too. 

For more information visit http://www.timleeperroofing.com

Note: When you are checking your roof, be sure you have a safe ladder, and some type of fall protection.  Remember, if you mention you read it on the blog, you get a 5% discount!  pb

 

 
Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Home Safety Products, Weather Protection

TEN SMART TRICKS FOR SUMMER (Guest Post)

Ah, the warm summer months are here, which means more time spent outside running around enjoying the outdoors. It also means occasionally battling the bugs, the sun, and the heat.  To ensure that these and other common summer annoyances don’t derail your summertime fun, here are 10 smart tricks that can help make your summer a little sweeter:

1. Keep a dryer sheet in your pocket to keep bugs away.  You can spend tons of money buying bug spray, and you’ll most likely end up feeling sticky, smelling like bug spray, and getting bitten by bugs anyway. An easy solution is to carry a dryer sheet with you, which is something most people have at home already anyway. By carrying it in your pocket you can ward off bugs; something about the smell keeps the bugs away from you.

2. Sprinkle baking soda in sweaty shoes.  Running around in your shoes without socks is a regular occurrence during the summer time because everyone just wants to slip shoes on and go. Unfortunately, this also causes extra unwanted odor in your shoes.  To fix this problem sprinkle the inside of the shoes with baking soda to absorb the odors.  If you’d rather not have the powdery look in your shoes, you can create a sachet by using a rubber band wrapped around a few tablespoons of baking soda in a handkerchief.   Just put a sachet in each shoe and the odors will disappear.

3. Trap fruit flies with apple cider vinegar.  Did you bring home fruit flies from the farmers market?  Fill a glass jar half full of cider vinegar and screw the lid back on.  Punch several holes in the lid and leave the jar where you have seen the fruit flies.  They will be gone in no time.
4. Cool a sunburn with white vinegar.  Unfortunately, with the warm summer months comes the occasional sunburn.  To take the sting out of a sunburn soak clean soft cloths in white vinegar, wring them out and lay them on the sunburned skin.

5. Coat feet with petroleum jelly and cover with socks at bedtime.  This trick will keep your feet soft and sandal ready all summer.  A little petroleum jelly on your elbows and knees will make sure they stay soft and smooth for all of those revealing summer outfits.

6. Mix a can of cola with ketchup for a quick and easy barbeque sauce.  Figure out about how much sauce you want and add the cola to the ketchup to thin it out and add flavor and sweetness.  Brush on chicken or ribs during the last stages of cooking on the grill to avoid burning.
7. Use conditioner to shave your legs in a pinch.  Did you forget to pack your shaving cream for your vacation?  That’s okay; you can use the sample bottle of conditioner that most hotels give you.  This will leave your legs smooth and silky soft.

8. Apply coconut oil to bee stings and bug bites.  Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and will help heal the sting or bite as well as soothe the pain.

9. Straws make great strawberry hullers.  Take a normal straw and push it up through the base of the strawberry and come up under the hull.  Keep pushing and the hull will usually come right out.  Practice makes perfect with this, but it really works well when you get the hang of it and you won’t have all those strawberry seeds under your finger nails.

10. Use cute cupcake papers to cover your drinks this summer.  When the weather turns nice, eating and drinking outside becomes standard, and almost mandatory.  The problem with eating and drinking outside is keeping the bugs away from your food and drinks.  Get yourself some cupcake papers and use them to cover your drinks.  If you’re having a party the cupcake papers can even match the theme.  To make a drink cover you just need to punch a hole in the cupcake paper and stick a straw through.  Just make sure there are no bugs inside the straw before you drink.

Carrie: may I add one last suggestion to help – wear polarized sunshades that block out UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes, and a good hat for your head.  Anything that will keep us from burning is welcome in the summer!  Thank you for these good ideas, pb
Carrie Dotson, http://www.summernannyjobs.com/blog/10-smart-tricks-for-summer/

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WATER KEEPS YOU RUNNING IN THE SUMMER HEAT!

August days are sweltering in Texas, as well as many other parts of the country.  There are many athletes – baseball players, football players, and runners that are exposed to the heat during the hottest time of the day, in many cases.  There are some keys to staying healthy while exercising, whether as an athlete, or worker who is exposed to the elements every day,  becoming dehydrated.

Mild dehydration is the loss of no more than 5% of the body’s fluid. Loss of 5-10% is considered moderate dehydration. Severe dehydration (loss of 10-15% of body fluids) is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care. 

One of the first steps to getting used to the heat is to become acclimatized.  As the weather heats up, you must ratchet down your outdoor workout for at least five days to two weeks, in order to build up heat tolerance.  If you ride a bike, ride it a little slower until you get used to hotter temperatures.  Walk instead of running, if you are a jogger.  If you are involved in an intense workout, you are creating more heat for your body.  

A sweat rate test will tell you how much fluid you need to replace from your workout: weigh yourself without clothes before and after a workout; add the amount of any fluid you drank from your weight-loss difference, and you’ll have the amount of fluid you lost through sweat.  Hydration keeps your body from overheating.  The best policy is to know what works best for each individual.  The American College of Sports medicine suggests that too much water can cause a sodium imbalance in the body.  Listen to your thirst.  Some fitness program coaches recommend athletes drink 16 to 20 ounces of water before training, carry 20 ounces of water to sip during the workout, and change to an electrolyte sports drink such as Gatorade after the first hour.  Lost sodium can also be replaced with salty snacks.  

There is a common belief that caffeinated drinks dehydrate you, but according to cardiologist Benjamin Levine, caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea will help hydrate your body throughout the day, because they contain water. Dr. John Carlo, Medical Director of Dallas County Health and Human Services recommends that drinking more fluids the day before strenuous exercise will help prevent dehydration.  Hydrating at night is also a good idea, says Dr. Carlo. 

If you have health problems or are more susceptible to heat, you may want to exercise in an air-conditioned wellness center, or gym.  They contain all types of equipment that will enable you to get the amount of conditioning you want.  

Even when the weather is just a few degrees higher than normal, it can take its toll on our bodies.  Those who work outdoors should always take the proper precautions and be able to take breaks away from the sun as often as possible.  Always have fresh water available, and drink it often.  We all need to keep our cool anyway we can!

General Safety Issues

TEMPERATURE CHANGES CAN BE A SHOCK!

In early June, we returned to Texas from an Alaskan cruise.  Most of the time on our trip, we wore lightweight jackets.  It’s amazing how pleasant the weather is in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.  We left Seattle headed for Denver, on a nice, cool day.  After switching planes in Denver, however, our pilot announced that the temperature in Midland-Odessa (our destination) was 105 degrees!  When we stepped out of the airport at 10 p.m., it was like walking into an oven. Talk about a shock!

States in the northeastern part of the United States have been experiencing extremely abnormal heat, resulting in a heat wave.  It may be harder on those who are not accustomed to these hot temperatures to cope with, than those who live where high temperatures, along with high humidity are more common.

Cities are usually hotter than rural areas, due to brick buildings, asphalt streets and tar roofs.  The elderly and others are afraid to go out if they live in unsafe neighborhoods.  They have their windows sealed up for protection; therefore, they get no draft from outside.  It’s up to friends and neighbors to see that they have some type of airconditioning, or take them to a place where they can be comfortable.   There are many places where persons can visit in order to escape the heat: community centers, churches, senior citizen centers, malls, movies, libraries, or stores. 

Those who are at risk to suffer the most from extreme heat are persons who are outside: firefighters, athletes, and anyone else who has to be in the sun most of the day.  They should seek shade as much as possible and take breaks often. Workers should agree to watch out for each other, and be sure that they are getting enough water and rest during their shift.

Others at risk are:

  • Persons who are overweight.
  • Children age 4 to the elderly, past age 64.
  • Those who have chronic medical or mental health conditions.
  • Persons who take certain medications that can distrupt body temperature.

We should conserve energy as much as possible, both with our bodies, and our use of power to cool our homes.  Overuse of power causes disruptions of service in heavily populated areas.  The thermostat of the airconditioner should be set no lower than 78 degrees.  There are timers that you can buy that enable you to set your cooling to come on around 30 minutes before you plan to arrive home from work or elsewhere. 

Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink water or juice; drink water often throughout the day.  Stay away from alcohol or caffeinated drinks, as they deplete the fluids from your body.  A good supplement for water is a sports drink, such as Powdered Gatorade Mix, which restores electrolytes and salt to the body.

This hot weather, too, shall pass.  Before you know it, you will be digging out a jacket to wear to a football game! Until then, do all you can to “keep your cool.” And please, please, don’t leave children, older persons, or animals in your vehicles.  It only takes ten minutes for the temperature to rise 20 degrees in a shut-up car!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Weather Protection

IMPORTANT SUMMER SAFETY REMINDER

Sooner or later, all of us have to drive on busy freeways.  Those who live in small towns find it a little intimidating to drive in heavy traffic, (at least, I do!).  While visiting my daughter in Georgetown, Texas, last week, I asked her for some topics to feature in our safety blog.  Her daily route to and from work is on Interstate 35.  She mentioned that debris on the highway is a problem and causes very serious accidents.  She and her husband watched a tire and wheel from an 18-wheeler going the opposite way, cross the median, and roll across four lanes of traffic before it came to a stop beside the highway.  Luckily, no vehicles were hit, but a very serious accident could have resulted.  She also said she sees ladders, tools, boxes, and other debris often during her commute.
This is a common problem throughout the U.S.  California reports that approximately 25,000 accidents per year are caused by debris.  A Los Angeles County deputy sheriff died when he swerved to dodge a stove that had fallen off a truck in front of him.  (The driver who didn’t secure the stove has been charged with murder and may face twenty-five years to life if convicted.)  Officials responsible for road clean up in California say that they collect enough junk from their state highways alone to fill up the Los Angeles Coliseum 8’ deep.  You can find similar stories from every state in the U.S.
Recycling is becoming big business, and there is more demand for scrap metal, cardboard, and scrap paper.  Many persons fill up their pickup beds to the max to haul junk to recycle stations.  Failing to secure their loads can be costly in some states.  California and ten other states are increasing penalties for losing loads on the roadways.  Fines may be as much as $5,000; if the lost debris causes an accident, persons can be jailed up to one year.
Overfilled gravel trucks can also cause accidents.  Examples of debris include, rocks, boulders, grease, engine oil, plants and their branches, etc., furniture, mattresses, garbage, nails, screws, glass, auto parts, lumber, tires, construction supplies, and animal corpses.  You can probably name other things you’ve seen on busy freeways.
Drivers that are hauling things should inspect their loads before they begin their journey.
There are littering laws and penalties that all travelers should follow.  If you see an unsafe load, get the license number of the vehicle and notify authorities.  It might help prevent an accident.
This is a difficult subject to even think about, but a very important one to pass on to our readers.  We are getting into the hottest time of the year, and so far, eighteen children have died of hyperthermia, eight of them since June 13th.  Hyperthermia is a rapid and often fatal rise in body temperature.  These young victims were left in cars.  We read about a parent or family member that simply forgot about the little passenger in the back seat.  We also read about children that climbed into unlocked cars in the driveway to play and then couldn’t get out, only to later be found dead.  Keep your parked car locked at all times.
July is known as the most deadly month for children to be trapped in cars.  Their respiratory and circulatory systems can’t handle heat the same as adults.  Hyperthermia is the third-leading cause of death in non-traffic related incidents involving children and vehicles.  It takes only 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to spike 19 degrees, and then can go up to 29 degrees in 20 minutes.  On a 78° day, the temperature inside a car can climb to 97° in just ten minutes.
Organizations such as the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, KidsandCars.org, and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) are among several others that warn parents not to leave their kids or animals unattended in or near vehicles.  PETA and KidsandCars urges “the most vulnerable beings among us– children and animals, need and deserve our protection.  Never leave a child or animal in a parked car on hot or even warm days.  Always leave dogs and cats at home, especially during a heat wave.”
It’s hard to understand how anyone can become so distracted that they would forget about a child in the back seat of their vehicle.  But it happens, and happens often.  It is suggested by the experts that drivers should place a purse, briefcase, or cell phone near the child’s seat as a reminder to retrieve the child.  Don’t become so overwhelmed by everyday pressures that you forget the most important person in the world, your child.
Get involved.  If you see a child or animal that has been left in a car, call 911.
  
Since this article was written on June 28 of this year, according to statistics from San Francisco State University, the total of children that have died from hyperthermia has reached 36 - double what we reported in late June!  The total for the entire year of 2010 was 33.  They also furnished statistics on the circumstances of these deaths, totaling 443 from 1998 through 2009.  Here are the terrible facts:
  
  
51% were forgotten by care giver or parent
  
  
30% were playing in an unattended vehicle
  
  
18% were intentionally left in a vehicle by an adult
  
  
This is one safety product that is advertised on the internet.  If you have a child passenger, you may want to check into this or a similar one.
  
  
Here’s how it works:
  
  
The seat pad is placed under existing car seat cushion.
  
  
Baby is placed in car seat, which activates the safety system,
  
  
This activates receiver, located on the driver's key ring.
  
  
If driver exits the car without removing baby from car seat an alarm sounds on driver's key ring.
  
  
If the driver does not hear or respond to the alarm within a predetermined elapsed time, a louder alarm, using a voice synthesizer, saying  ''Baby in Danger'' will activate from the seat pad itself, hopefully alerting passers by to the dangerous situation.
You may save a life.
General Safety Issues

SUMMER’S HERE!

As the month of June is closing, our final installment for National Safety Month is “Summer Safety.”  What better time to pass on to you many safety issues that this time of the year brings.  We hope you will have a great summer, and maybe some of these ideas will help you avoid some of the pitfalls that hot weather brings.
v First, the sun:  most of us spend more time outdoors during summer months.  Exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, especially for those who have fair skin and freckles.  Be sure to wear sunscreen with a high SPF, and apply it often.  Wear a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
v Heat: You need to gradually become used to being in the heat, especially those who must work outdoors.  Drink lots of water or sports drinks, and stay hydrated.  Take breaks as often as possible.
v Another heat issue: summer athletics.  This is the time of year when baseball and other sports are taking place.  Those who are working out for football are also exposed to conditions they are not used to.  Be sure that your summer athlete stays hydrated and is allowed to take breaks.
v Fireworks: even sparklers can cause burns.  Don’t allow children to use fireworks unattended.  The best idea would be to watch a fireworks display and let the professionals handle it.
v Water: many boating and swimming accidents happen because of alcohol or drugs.
v Summer is a high-risk time for child drownings, the 2nd leading cause of unintentional deaths in children ages 1-14.  Remember, no one watches your child as closely as you.  A child can drown in 20-30 seconds.  Don’t be distracted by cell phone calls or reading a magazine while supervising young swimmers.
v The driver of a boat should be as responsible as when he/she is driving a car.  Be sure                all children wear life jackets in a boat, and adults should wear them, as well, to set the example for the kids.  Swimmers should not go out alone, but use the “buddy system.”
v ATV’s:  Those who are not licensed to drive a car or under age 16 should not operate off-road vehicles.  It’s safer to not carry a passenger, and always wear eye protection and reflective clothing.
v Camping: always tell somewhere where you plan to camp.  Take along insect repellant, a first-aid kit, cell phone, and plenty of water.
v Picnics: keep cold foods cold.  Avoid dairy products; mayonnaise spoils quickly.  Throw out foods that are left out for more than one hour.  Remember: “if in doubt, throw it out!”
v Traveling: if you are driving, watch for motorcycle and bicycle riders. They are entitled to their place on the road, too.  If you are on a motorcycle or bike, watch for cars, and don’t get too close.
v Traveling, again: if you are traveling by plane or ship, be sure to wash your hands frequently and have hand sanitizer with you.  You are exposed to more “bugs” when you travel and you don’t want to take them home with you.
v Weather: always be aware of approaching changes in the weather.  Pay attention to forecasts, and find a safe place to retreat if the need arises.
v Pets:  your pets are family members, too.  Be sure they have plenty of fresh water throughout the day, and a shady place if they are outside.  Never leave an animal in a car.  It only takes a short time for them to be overcome by heat.
v It goes without saying: never leave children in a car!
Hopefully we have covered some of the hazards of summer.  For kids, it’s the best time of the year – no school, no waking up early, and just having fun in general.  For adults, it’s carrying on as usual.  But when vacation or week-end outings roll around, always keep safety in mind.
As the month of June is closing, our final installment for National Safety Month is “Summer Safety.”  What better time to pass on to you many safety issues that this time of the year brings.  We hope you will have a great summer, and maybe some of these ideas will help you avoid some of the pitfalls that hot weather brings.
  • First, the sun:  most of us spend more time outdoors during summer months.  Exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, especially for those who have fair skin and freckles.  Be sure to wear sunscreen with a high SPF, and apply it often.  Wear a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
  • Heat: You need to gradually become used to being in the heat, especially those who must work outdoors.  Drink lots of water or sports drinks, and stay hydrated.  Take breaks as often as possible.
  • Another heat issue: summer athletics.  This is the time of year when baseball and other sports are taking place.  Those who are working out for football are also exposed to conditions they are not used to.  Be sure that your summer athlete stays hydrated and is allowed to take breaks.
  • Fireworks: even sparklers can cause burns.  Don’t allow children to use fireworks unattended.  The best idea would be to watch a fireworks display and let the professionals handle it.
  • Water: many boating and swimming accidents happen because of alcohol or drugs.
  • Summer is a high-risk time for child drownings, the 2nd leading cause of unintentional deaths in children ages 1-14.  Remember, no one watches your child as closely as you.  A child can drown in 20-30 seconds.  Don’t be distracted by cell phone calls or reading a magazine while supervising young swimmers.
  • The driver of a boat should be as responsible as when he/she is driving a car.  Be sure                all children wear life jackets in a boat, and adults should wear them, as well, to set the example for the kids.  Swimmers should not go out alone, but use the “buddy system.”
  • ATV’s:  Those who are not licensed to drive a car or under age 16 should not operate off-road vehicles.  It’s safer to not carry a passenger, and always wear eye protection and reflective clothing.
  • Camping: always tell somewhere where you plan to camp.  Take along insect repellant, a first-aid kit, cell phone, and plenty of water.
  • Picnics: keep cold foods cold.  Avoid dairy products; mayonnaise spoils quickly.  Throw out foods that are left out for more than one hour.  Remember: “if in doubt, throw it out!”
  • Traveling: if you are driving, watch for motorcycle and bicycle riders. They are entitled to their place on the road, too.  If you are on a motorcycle or bike, watch for cars, and don’t get too close.
  • Traveling, again: if you are traveling by plane or ship, be sure to wash your hands frequently and have hand sanitizer with you.  You are exposed to more “bugs” when you travel and you don’t want to take them home with you.
  • Weather: always be aware of approaching changes in the weather.  Pay attention to forecasts, and find a safe place to retreat if the need arises.
  • Pets:  your pets are family members, too.  Be sure they have plenty of fresh water throughout the day, and a shady place if they are outside.  Never leave an animal in a car.  It only takes a short time for them to be overcome by heat.
  • It goes without saying: never leave children in a car!
Hopefully we have covered some of the hazards of summer.  For kids, it’s the best time of the year – no school, no waking up early, and just having fun in general.  For adults, it’s carrying on as usual.  But when vacation or week-end outings roll around, always keep safety in mind.
General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WARNING ABOUT TOO MUCH SUN

1 Comment

The month of May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, so we want to take this opportunity to warn you about the consequences of skin cancer.  If you work outdoors, there are steps you can take to protect your skin.  If you are deliberately working on a tan, please consider that this can be risky.

Too many Americans don’t protect themselves from the sun’s damaging rays, according to the Center for Disease Control, even though they are aware that the burns from the sun increase their risk of skin cancer.  Many people who have been diagnosed with basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer or melanoma, have been told by their dermatologists that sunburn during their childhood is likely a major factor that may have caused their problem as adults, so it is of the utmost importance that children’s skin is protected from the sun.

The American Academy of Dermatology has established the Shadow Rule: No Shadow – SEEK SHADE.  If your shade is shorter than you are, the sun is at its highest intensity.

For those who must work or play outdoors, wear wide brim hats, hardhats w/sunshields, ultra-violet absorbing eyewear, (safety glasses), long sleeves, and use sunscreen that has a minimum of 15 SPF.  Apply sunscreen hourly.  Reflective surfaces such as water and sand can add to the burning effects of the sun.  So play it safe, stay out of the sun as much as possible.

Most Americans believe they can start their summer tan a little faster by going to tanning beds, however, they don’t realize that without proper protection, those tanning beds can cause serious burns not only to the skin, but to the eyes.  On an average day, more than one million Americans use tanning salons.  First exposure to tanning beds in youth increases melanoma risk by 75 per cent. Research shows that UV radiation levels of a tanning bed are 100 times that of the natural sun.  The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requires tanning facilities to furnish clean, UV-blocking goggles to all consumers.  Without these protective eye goggles, the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians warns that using a tanning bed without protective goggles is the “equivalent to staring at the sun.”

The number of melanomas is rising faster than any of the seven most common cancers.  According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, approximately 68,720 melanomas will be diagnosed this year, with almost 8,650 resulting in death.  We hope this helps you understand the significance of the damage UV rays cause.  We have mentioned the many ways you can protect yourself; if you suspect you may have some type of skin cancer, be sure to see your physician as soon as possible.  Do not ignore places that change color or don’t heal.  Many times treatment by a dermatologist can take care of the problem before it gets serious.

Source: Prevent Blindness America
Skin Cancer Foundation

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

LET’S HELP OUR YOUNG ATHLETES KEEP THEIR “COOL”

We have talked about keeping our workers safe from the hazards of doing their jobs outdoors in the heat and humidity, and how to recognize the signs of heat stroke, heat cramps, etc.  But with August just around the corner, indicating it’s time to get ready for football, cross country, and other outdoor sports, we want to focus on our youngsters.

When the temperature is 95° or higher, (and believe me, in Texas, it is!), and the humidity is 75%, this combination slows down the body’s evaporation and sweating doesn’t do its’ job to assist the cooling process.  We have found several good tips that parents and coaches should keep in mind to as their youngsters take the field:gatorade01

1.    Instruct all athletes to pre-hydrate.  Drinking at least 24 ounces of fluid prior to each workout will help.

2.    Allow the athletes to drink 10-12 ounces every 30 minutes of activity.  If they wait until they are thirsty, chances are they are already dehydrated.

3.    Do not allow athletes to drink carbonated drinks or energy drinks.  Keep plenty of water on hand; however, Gatorade has been proven to be better than plain water to replace fluids.

4.    Weigh-ins before and after practice will show how much fluid each individual loses and needs to replace.

5.    Let the players become acclimated to the hot weather.  Remember that younger persons adjust more slowly than adults to hot and humid conditions.

6.    Lighter clothing helps promote heat loss.  Helmets need to be removed periodically, as the body can cool itself more efficiently.  Helmets retain significant amounts of heat.

7.    Heat production is proportional to body weight, so be sure to observe very large or obese players for early signs of heat stress.

8.    Ask athletes if they taking antibiotics, which can cause them to be more susceptible to heat illness.

Good training is very important.  Youngsters should train for the sport rather than expect the sport to get them into shape.  Coaches can help by choosing a conditioning program that is suited for the individual athlete.  Youngsters that enjoy going out for a particular sport should be encouraged by parents and coaches to follow the rules of the game.  Those playing contact sports should have the proper equipment to decrease risks of injury.

One of the most important bits of advice that we can pass on is for parents and coaches to encourage healthy competition, not a “win at all costs” attitude, and let them have     FUN!  In return, our youngsters will enjoy the experience of teamwork and develop a positive self-image that will carry on throughout their lives.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, Weather Protection

“SUMMERTIME, AND THE LIVIN’ IS EASY”

Employers know that their personnel face year-round hazards, but summer brings extra ones, such as heat stress, exposure to pesticides, and venomous insects and snakes, just to name a few.  Workers in parks, recreation, highway departments, forestry, construction, paving, painting, and agriculture must deal with all the hazards that hot weather brings while performing their job duties.

Employers should train their workers well; they should be given the chance to acclimate to the heat gradually.  An estimated 46% of reported heat illness cases occurred the first day on the job; 80% reported cases of heat illness within 4 days of beginning a job.  Persons that are physically fit become acclimatized 50% faster than those who are not in good shape. However, during a heat wave, even previously acclimatized employees are at risk.  The body must have time to adjust to sudden, abnormally high temperatures or other extreme conditions.

There are many ways companies can help make the workers better able to do their job comfortably.  Furnishing shade in rest/break areas is very important.  Portable canopies or umbrellas can be set up, and use misting machines, or spray them with water.  Employers should be sure they wear hats, safety glasses (sunglasses), and proper protective clothing.  During heat waves, it would be best to work early morning or evening shifts, and avoid overtime and double shifts.

Other important ways that employers can ensure the health and safety of their workers are:

  • Educate them on ways to prevent heat stress.
  • Be sure they know what to do if a co-worker seems to be experiencing heat-related illness.
  • Provide plenty of water.
  • Adjust work schedule to provide workers rest from the heat.
  • Rearrange nonessential duties.
  • Supervisors should monitor workers and be sure they are staying hydrated.

Employers are required by OSHA to provide that workplaces are free from recognizable hazards, both indoors and outdoors.  It is up to the companies to know in advance what their employees will confront and guarantee that their environment is a safe one.

Source:
NIOSH
CAL/OSHA

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

HOT TIPS ON HEAT STRESS

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During the summer months, workers who are exposed to extreme heat should recognize symptoms of heat stress, and how it can be prevented.  Things that can lead to heat stress are: inadequate water intake, physical exertion, direct sun, high temperature or humidity, and some medicines.  Workers should stay hydrated and maintain a safe core body temperature, which should never exceed 100°F.  Ingesting fluids on a regular basis also puts less strain on the cardiovascular system.

Signs of heat disorders are:

  • Heat Stroke – This is the most serious heat related disorder.  Confusion, irrational behavior, loss of consciousness, lack of sweating (usually), an abnormally high temperature are primary signs of heat stroke, resulting in a medical emergency.  The worker should be doused with cool water and given fluids.  Drinks that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar can cause workers to lose body fluid, and very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps.  Cool fluids are easier to drink and more easily absorbed into the body.
  • Heat Exhaustion – This is the result of a combination of dehydration and excessive heat.  Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, giddiness, and thirst are symptoms.  Workers with heat exhaustion should be given fluids, and encouraged to rest.  Workers can stay hydrated by keeping containers of fluids handy at all times.
  • Heat Cramps – Caused by an electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating and lack of water replenishment.  Workers in hot environments should drink water every 15 to 20 minutes and drink carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquids (e.g., sports drinks).
  • Heat Rashes – Most common problem where skin is persistently wetted by sweat.  Creams or ointments should not be used as they keep the skin warm and moist, and may worsen the condition.  Powders may be applied.

A reminder to workers: be sure to drink fluids before becoming thirsty; if you wait, your body is already dehydrated.  Wear a wide brimmed hat if your work doesn’t require a hardhat, use sunscreen, and wear OSHA approved safety glasses that have the proper UV protection.  There are many other products on the market to help you “keep your cool”.

Source: OSHA
CDC
Airgas