Blog

Spring is around the corner, and agricultural workers are getting ready for a new season of working long days in the field. Agricultural workers maintain crops and take care of livestock and usually perform their duties outdoors in various weather conditions. There are numerous health hazards that should be considered before starting work. Workers’ safety protection begins with engineering controls, which include measures that prevent employees’ exposure to work-related hazards. In addition, …

The weather is heating up. Outdoor sun and indoor heat at the workplace are dangerous because they lead to health issues ranging from not feeling well to life-threatening health conditions. OSHA encourages employers to know the following symptoms associated with heat-related illnesses: Heat rash happens when sweat glands become blocked. Heat cramps in muscles appear after strenuous work because sweating causes dehydration and loss of electrolytes. Heat swelling (edema) in legs and h …

The smart approach to work-related heat stress prevention includes setting up a wellness program for employees at risk. This can include those who work outdoors and in hot environments, like firefighters, farmers, miners, bakery and boiler room workers, construction and factory workers, who wear PPE according to their work requirements. Wellness programs aim to educate teams on how to pro-actively ensure their health is not affected in any way by working in the extreme conditions. It in …

By Steve Rapoport, Director, Fresh2o With the warm weather approaching, it is imperative to stay hydrated. The dog days of summer have hit with temps 100 degrees and higher! Not only is this unpleasant, it can be dangerous. Our body’s fluid requirement increases as the temperature rises and being dehydrated can have serious effects on your health. Check out my tips on how to keep yourself hydrated and learn which foods/beverages hydrate you. Functions of fluid in the body Our body …

Working in the heat, especially during Summer months, can lead to illness or even death. Common reactions are heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat cramps and heat rash — all of which can be avoided following these heat stress prevention tips from OSHA. Some risk factors that can cause heat stress include: High temperature and humidity, direct sun exposure, no breeze or wind Low liquid intake Heavy physical labor Waterproof clothing/non-breathable fa …

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is seldom comfortable. Typically workers would rather not be bothered. That's one reason OSHA mandates compliance for certain workers. At height workers require not only fall protection, but many need head protection as well. Traditional hard hats can feel like having an oven on your head. Especially while working in the heat and sun. Luckily there is the Vertex Vent from Petzl. The Petzl Vent helmet, as the name suggests, features adjustable openin …

Spring has sprung in about two-thirds of the contiguous United States at this point. And while North Dakota and Montana are both shoveling snow and dreaming about a 45-degree day, in the southern states it's time to stock up and start using sunblock. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent skin cancer is to prevent sunburn. The best way to prevent sunburn is to stay indoors or possibly underground. Unfortunately, that's not an option …