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venomous insects, what actions they can take to avoid being bitten as well as first aid measures. Snakes and wild animals vary from region to region but can also be a significant threat to employees. State agencies often have training programs that they can provide at no cost to help employees recognize and avoid injuries from harmful animals in their region. Poisonous Plants On the first day of summer camps, countless children across the U.S. are taught “leaflets of three, let them be” as a way to help them recognize and avoid poisonous plants in wooded areas. It’s good advice for adults as well. Because poison ivy, oak and sumac don’t only lurk in the forest, it helps to be able to recognize them and know which varieties may be present in different work areas. Wearing disposable PPE or long sleeves, long pants, boots and gloves can help prevent the urushiol oil in the leaves of these plants from coming in contact with skin. Barrier creams can also help reduce the risk. About 15 percent of Americans are not allergic to poison ivy, oak, or sumac, according to the American Skin Association. For the remaining 85 percent of the population, contact with the leaves of these plants can cause swelling, redness, itching and other allergic reactions. Include cleanup procedures during poisonous plant training. Urushiol can remain on surfaces for up to five years if it is not physically removed. Exposed clothing can be washed separately with detergent and hot water. Tools and equipment can be cleaned with alcohol or with soap and lots of water. Pesticides Employees who handle pesticides that are being applied to agricultural crops are governed under the EPA’s Worker Protection Standard (40 CFR 170). This body of regulations outlines the training requirement as well as other protections for workers involved in these operations. While the EPA has jurisdiction over much that has to do with the manufacturing, distribution, application and use of pesticides, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a safety issue. It is still important to evaluate the safety data sheets and labels of any pesticides being used so that preparations can be made for employees to apply and work around them safely. Summer Vacationing When summer finally comes, it can be tempting to relax and be grateful that the harshness of winter is gone— at least for a season. Creating and maintaining a comprehensive safety plan that encompasses all of the hazards that employees may face when working outdoors in the summer is key in providing that respite. Training employees and providing them with the procedures, tools and provisions they’ll need to not only beat the heat but also tackle everything else that summer throws their way will help them to have a safer summer, too. Karen D. Hamel CSP, CIT, WACH, is a regulatory expert, trainer and technical writer for HalenHardy. She has more than 27 years’ experience helping EHS professionals meet regulatory requirements and industry standards, and has published more than 300 articles on many EHS topics. SMALL SCREEN. BIG PICTURE. IT’S TOUGH. IT’S INTUITIVE. AND NOW IT’S CONNECTED. THE ALTAIR IOTM 4 GAS DETECTION WEARABLE. The smart wearable gas detector that provides real-time visibility across your worksites— including workers and workflows—accessible from anywhere. It’s a total hardware and software solution, with out-of-the-box cellular connectivity. Learn more about how the ALTAIR io 4 Gas Detection Wearable can help reduce risk and boost productivity. Request a demo at msasafety.com/io4. 08-6473-MCP / 02.2023 www.ohsonline.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2023 | Occupational Health & Safety 33