Summer Safety Bureau of Workers Compensation PA Training
Summer Safety Bureau of Workers’ Compensation PA Training for Health & Safety (PATHS) PPT-137 -01 1
Objectives To understand how to work and play safely in the summer sun by reviewing what precautions to take to reduce heat related stress. To have a safe and enjoyable summer under the sun by increasing self awareness. PPT-137 -01 2
Heat Stress § During warm weather, the body normally cools itself by perspiring. § When the air temperature is the same or warmer than the body temperature, cooling the body is more difficult. § When the humidity becomes higher, perspiration will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat as fast as it normally would, causing various levels of heat stress. PPT-137 -01 3
Factors to Consider § Ability to cool down is determined by the following: Ø Physical condition Ø Physical demands Ø Direct sun exposure (no shade) Ø High temperature and humidity Ø Limited air movement Ø Proper hydration PPT-137 -01 4
Who is Affected? § Those who are 65 and over § Young Children § Pets § Friends § Workers YOU ARE! § Co-workers § Neighbors § Everybody!!! PPT-137 -01 5
Statistics § Heat is the #2 weather-related killer in the United States; § Greater than hurricanes, floods, and lightning strikes combined. § Only tornadoes had more fatalities. PPT-137 -01 6
So, What do You Do? OSHA recommends three simple words: WATER – REST PPT-137 -01 – SHADE! 7
Three Simple Words § WATER – drink water (or “electrolyte” beverages) often, even before you become thirsty § REST – take frequent breaks away from the sun’s rays; recommended air-conditioned or cool, well-ventilated area § SHADE – anywhere people can take shelter from the sun (tree, canopy, indoors); recovery area PPT-137 -01 8
Avoid Dehydration § For proper hydration, the recommended amount is 6 ounces (or medium size glass) every 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine, or high amounts of sugar. § Dehydration level of 2% of body weight - Impaired cognitive and physical performance § Dehydration level of 4% of body weight - Shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness and reaction time reduced PPT-137 -01 9
Simple Check Good, probably well hydrated. Drink water normal. OK / fine. drink a little water now. Warning: Drink about 1/2 bottle of water within the hr, or whole bottle if you're outside and/or sweating. Caution: Drink about ½ bottle or of water immediately; or a whole bottle of water if you're outside & sweating. STOP: Drink 2 bottles of water immediately. If your urine is darker than this red or brown, there may be another medical condition. Seek medical advice. Color of Urine PPT-137 -01 10
Types of Heat Stress Mild Medical Condition Heat Rash Heat Cramps Heat Syncope Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke SERIOUS MEDICAL EMERGENCY PPT-137 -01 11
Heat Rash Symptoms: § Red cluster of pimples or small blister § Can happen anywhere on body - Neck, arms - Groin, legs First § § § Aid: Work in a cooler area if possible Keep area dry Baby powder may be used for comfort PPT-137 -01 12
Heat Cramps Symptoms § Muscle pain § Muscle spasm First § § § Aid Stop all activity Sit in a cool place Drink clear fluids Reduce activity for several hours Consider seeking medical attention if other health conditions exist PPT-137 -01 13
Heat Syncope Symptoms: § Fainting § Dizzy § Light Headed First § § § Aid: Sit or lie down in cool place Stay quiet Drink cool water/fluids slowly PPT-137 -01 14
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms: § § § § First Aid: Rapid heart beat Nausea Heavy sweating Weakness Dizziness Fast, shallow breathing Elevated body temp § § Rest in a cool area Drink plenty of water Take a cool shower or bath Seek medical attention if necessary PPT-137 -01 15
Heat Stroke (Hyperthermia) Signs and Symptoms § Confusion § Irrational behavior § Loss of coordination § Lack of sweating § Hot, dry skin § Abnormally high body temp First § § § Aid: GET MEDICAL ASSISTANCE! Move to a cool, shaded area Remove excess clothing and apply cool water to the body PPT-137 -01 16
Precautions This is a medical emergency! § Never allow this person to return to work or go home without medical attention & clearance. § Return to work will vary depending on individual’s physical fitness & timing of first aid treatment PPT-137 -01 17
Protect Yourself § Drink plenty of fluids; never become thirsty § Take frequent breaks § Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing § Monitor your physical condition § Schedule heavy work early or late in the day PPT-137 -01 18
TAKE CAUTION! NEVER leave anyone in a closed parked vehicle § Children § Pets § Infants § Elderly § Physically ill PPT-137 -01 19
Vehicle Heating Dynamics § The sun’s radiation can heat a dashboard, steering wheel, or child seat up to 180 -200 degrees Fahrenheit § It also warms the air trapped inside the vehicle: In In 10 20 30 60 minutes: Outside 80, 80, PPT-137 -01 inside 99 degrees 109 degrees 114 degrees 123 degrees 20
Elderly § Check in on them § Arrange visits § Arrange trips outside the home PPT-137 -01 21
When Gardening is a Must § Limit outdoor activity § Avoid working between 10 am – 4 pm § Rest in the shade § Use hats § Use suntan lotion SPF 30 or higher § Eye protection PPT-137 -01 22
Effects of Sunburn § Sunburn is the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, which can significantly retard the skin’s ability to shed excess heat § Must apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to avoid redness and pain. Severe cases could be swelling of skin, blisters, fever, and headaches. § Ointments may be used for blisters, sterile dressing if blisters break. If serious, seek medical attention PPT-137 -01 23
Review Heat rash § Keep area dry; work in cooler area if possible Heat cramps § Increase fluids and be aware of other conditions Heat syncope § Can lead to Heat stroke or exhaustion § Monitor to prevent further stress Heat stroke & Heat exhaustion § Most dangerous types; seek medical attention § Move to shaded area; apply cool water to body § Water – Rest - Shade! PPT-137 -01 24
References Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) www. osha. gov Centers for Disease Control/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CDC/NIOSH) www. cdc. gov/niosh National Weather Service/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NWS/NOAA) www. nws. noaa. gov PPT-137 -01 25
Questions PPT-137 -01 26
In that case … HAVE A GREAT SUMMER! PPT-137 -01 27
Contact Information Health & Safety Training Specialists 1171 South Cameron Street, Room 324 Harrisburg, PA 17104 -2501 (717) 772 -1635 RA-LI-BWC-PATHS@pa. gov Like us on Facebook! https: //www. facebook. com/BWCPATHS PPT-137 -01 28
Other Related Programs Other Power Point programs specific to summer safety include: § § § § Backyard and Wildlife Safety Fire Extinguisher Use Golf and Utility Cart Safety Heat-Related Injuries and Illnesses Poison Ivy Rabies Ticks and Lyme Disease West Nile Virus Please contact us for free copies of the above programs and a list of all other available programs at: RA-LI-BWC-PATHS@pa. gov PPT-137 -01 29
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