Working outdoors in the summer:
Hot summer months pose special hazards for outdoor workers who must protect themselves against heat, sun exposure, and other hazards. Employers and employees should know the potential hazards in their workplaces and how to manage them.
Safety is of the utmost of importance. For more information concerning warm weather safety, click here.
Working outdoors in the winter:
Work Practices and planning are important preventative measures. Drink plenty of liquids, avoiding caffeine and alcohol. It is easy to become dehydrated in cold weather. If possible, heavy work should be scheduled during the warmer parts of the day. Take breaks out of the cold. Try to work in pairs to keep an eye on each other and watch for signs of cold stress. Avoid fatigue since energy is needed to keep muscles warm. Take frequent breaks and consume warm, high calorie food such as pasta to maintain energy reserves. For more information concerning cold weather safety, click here.
Thunder:
When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! Observe the 30-30 Rule - if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Lightning can strike as far away as 10 miles from the area where it is raining. If you can see lightning flashes, count the seconds after a flash until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the storm is within 6 miles and is dangerous. Seek shelter immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before leaving shelter. Don't be fooled by sunshine or blue sky! Lightning is more likely to come from the back edge of a thundercloud than from the front edge.
