TIPS FOR SUMMER SAFETY –
ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WORKING OUTDOORS IN
THE HEAT
Staying Hydrated
As the temperatures soar,
your body is at risk for
dehydration, so it is
important to drink plenty of
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
The importance of wearing proper clothing during the summer months cannot
be overstated! These tips will help to protect you from the sun, heat related
illness, poison ivy and mosquito and tick-borne illness.
water. By the time your
body is feeling thirsty, you
are already on your way to
becoming dehydrated.
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SUN EXPOSURE
 To protect against sun exposure, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
 Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Wear a hat! A wide
brimmed hat will protect the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.
Wear UV-absorbent sunglasses.
 Limit exposure. UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
 Find out from your health care provider if your medications and sun
Falling Safely
Even when you practice safe
exposure don’t mix.
 www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/working_outdoors.pdf
walking habits, slips and
falls are sometimes
unavoidable. Follow these
tips to reduce the risk of
injury:
 Try to avoid landing on
your knees, wrists or
spine and aim for a
more fleshy part of the
body. Try to relax your
muscles as much as
possible. You will injure
DEALING WITH THE HEAT
yourself less if you are
relaxed.
 If you fall backwards,
make a conscious effort
to tuck your chin so your
head will not hit the
ground with full force.
Those who work outside during the summer months are at increased risk
for heat-related illness. So, take precautions.
 Drink small amounts of water frequently.
 Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing – cotton is
good.
 Take frequent short breaks in the shade, or work in the shade.
 Eat smaller meals before work activity.
 Avoid caffeine or alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
 Find out from your health care provider if your medications and
the heat don’t mix.
 Know that protective equipment, such as respirators or work
suits can increase heat stress.
 Know the two types of major heat-related disorders-heat
exhaustion and heat stroke, and how to recognize each one and
what first aid/emergency treatment is necessary. See OSHA’s
Fact Sheet on Heat Illness:
www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/3422_factsheet_en.pdf
LYME DISEASE/WEST NILE VIRUS/POISON IVY
Be aware of the symptoms of mosquito and tick-borne
diseases and poison ivy. Know how to protect
yourself with the following precautions:
 To protect against tick-borne illness, cover up.
Wear light-colored clothes to
see ticks more easily. Wear long sleeves; tuck pant legs into socks or boots.
Wear high boots or closed shoes that cover your feet completely. Wear a hat.
 Use tick repellants, but not on your face.
 Shower after work. Wash and dry your work clothes at high temperatures.
 Examine your body for ticks after work. Remove any attached ticks promptly
and carefully with fine-tipped tweezers by gripping the tick. Do not use
petroleum jelly, a hot match, or nail polish to remove the tick.
 For symptoms of Lyme Disease, view the OSHA Lyme Disease Fact Sheet:
www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_LymeFacts/lymefac.pdf
 Protect against West Nile Virus using insect repellent with DEET to exposed skin
(not facial skin) and clothing
 Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks.
 Be extra vigilant at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
 Get rid of sources of standing water to reduce or eliminate mosquito breeding
areas.
 For symptoms of West Nile Virus, view the OSHA West Nile Virus Fact Sheet:
www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/west_nile_virus.pdf
 To protect against poison ivy, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked
into boots. Wear cloth or leather gloves.
 Apply barrier creams to exposed skin.
 Rubbing alcohol removes the oil from the plant up to 30 minutes after
exposure.
 Learn to identify poison ivy, oak and sumac plants.
 Learn to identify the signs and symptoms of contact with poison ivy, oak and
sumac plants. www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/sawmills/poison.html