Page 32 - OHS, February/March 2025

S U M M E R H A Z A R D S
■ Wear cooling sleeves or materials around the neck
■ Create airfl ow with fans or other means – cooling is limited
once ambient air exceeds 100° F
■ Consider consuming electrolyte fl uids – drink one cup fl uid
to every three-four cups of water
One thing to watch out for is front-line employees performing
tasks that require the use of PPE must still wear it. Consider rotat-
ing or restricting the amount of time employees must wear the PPE
to provide time for cooling. Removing PPE because it’s “hot” cre-
ates greater exposures to the known hazards in the area.
Heat hazard. Should someone begin to experience a heat-relat-
ed event, it’s important to recognize the signs early on.
■ Muscle cramps/spasms, caused by depleting electrolytes
from the in-use muscles
■ Syncope (fainting), from inner core temperature rising
■ Heat Exhaustion, caused by depleting electrolytes, excessive
sweating, appears pale (shocky)
■ Heat Stroke – a true life-threatening emergency – dehydrat-
ed, no sweating, red-faced, likely unconscious, internal tempera-
ture exceeds 104° F
Heat Stroke requires immediate action:
■ Call 9-1-1
■ Begin immediate cooling with ice packs, spray/hose water
over body to increase evaporation
■ Continue cooling until EMS arrives
■ Once the patient is being cared for/transported, immediately
begin an investigation of what happened and identify mitigation/
prevention actions to protect others from it
Additional Summer Hazards
Wildlife. During summer months, there are critters and creatures
that become more active than other times of the year. Snakes, spiders
(brown recluse and black widow, specifi cally), bees/wasps/hornets,
and others that may be looking for cool spaces or water (bear, coy-
otes/wolves) create their own hazards. Knowing where these lovable
creatures hide or appear is the greatest prevention measure.
Water. In a work environment, retention ponds, wastewater
plants, and other wet locations can draw wildlife (see above). If
creeks, rivers, lakes, or reservoirs are close by, some may choose to
“cool off ” on break or while working near it or fall in, leading to
workplace drowning. Th ose most susceptible to drowning are mari-
time workers and those in construction, agriculture, and grounds-
keeping. Working over, in, and around water requires conducting
an eff ective risk assessment and implementing prevention measures.
Sun. Outside workers must consider the additional exposure to
summer sun and be protected from it. Hazards include exposure to
ultra-violet rays, which can lead to skin cancer or, at the least, sun-
burn. Lightweight, light-color fabrics to cover exposed skin, venti-
lated caps or hats, and use of sunscreen are all protective measures
that should be in place.
Other sun-related hazards include the potential of eye diseases,
such as cataracts, from ultraviolet exposure in bright sunlight and
eye strain from glare. Sunglasses with ultraviolet protection will
address the fi rst hazard. Polarized lenses provide help in reducing
glare, which improves visibility and safety.
Dehydration. Th ough dehydration is one part of heat-stress
hazards, it merits its own category. Heat and humidity tied with
physical labor creates this hazard. Preventive measures primarily is
The feeling of thirst means your
body is already experiencing a
level of dehydration. Ignoring it
leads to further complications.
increasing water intake, whether feeling thirst or not. Th e feeling of
thirst means your body is already experiencing a level of dehydra-
tion. Ignoring it leads to further complications.
One major dehydrator is alcohol. All the commercials suggest that
aft er a long, hot day of work, partaking of a “cold one” is a person’s
right and a person’s need for relaxation and enjoyment. I’m not telling
you not to drink. I am stating that alcohol is a signifi cant dehydrator,
further removing water from cells and your body that you may have
sweated out during work hours. Th is will lead to major health risks
in addition to risks of driving under the infl uence and waking up to
start your next day of work in a more unprepared fashion.
Dehydration can also lead to fatigue, nausea, and mental con-
fusion, slowing response times and increasing the potential for in-
jury, both for the individual and nearby coworkers.
One simple test that is easily monitored by the person is the color
of one’s urine. Th e darker the color, the greater the dehydration level.
Drinking at least eight ounces of water every 20 minutes or so helps
to maintain proper fl uid levels. Since the body is 75% water, staying
hydrated keeps body functions and organs working as they should.
Road construction. Whether you work it or just experience
it getting to and from work, road construction increases during
summer months. Th ose working it can experience heat stress, de-
hydration, and, most dangerous, passing vehicles! High-visibility
clothing, physical barriers, and vigilance are needed.
Th ose of us driving through these areas must also be vigilant.
Cell phone distractions, running late for work because of the con-
struction, and weather conditions can all play a role in someone
being killed.
Summary
We can anticipate these regular-occurring hazards during summer
months. Th ere is nothing new or unknown, just reminders to help
reduce the risk of someone becoming another preventable work sta-
tistic, one that could lead to an altered quality of life or even death.
Knowing the hazards and knowing the prevention measures
can keep you safe and help coworkers remain safe when you are
able to recognize they may be in trouble.
Randy DeVaul, MA, NREMT, (safetypro1158@gmail.com) is an
experienced safety professional who partners with employers to build
and enhance the safety culture in their organizations (Integrated
Safety Solutions). He is an accomplished safety leader, author,
speaker, and designated OSHA/MSHA expert, ready to assist with
safety, upon request. Comments are always welcome.
30 Occupational Health & Safety | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2025 www.ohsonline.com