SUN EXPOSURE SKIN CANCER

Transcription

1 Brought to you by HOT WEATHER Working in high temperatures and humidity can lead to heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress, heat exhaustion, or severe heat stroke, which can result in death. When working in hot weather, take these precautions: Know the signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses; monitor yourself and coworkers. Block out direct sun or other heat sources. Rest regularly. Drink lots of water, about 1 cup every 15 minutes. Wear lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothes. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and heavy meals. If someone exhibits symptoms of heat stress, move them to a cool, shaded area and loosen or remove heavy clothing, provide cool drinking water, and fan or mist the person with cool water. SUN EXPOSURE SKIN CANCER Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can cause premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer. The amount of damage from UV exposure depends on the strength of the light, the length of exposure, and whether the skin is protected. There are no safe UV rays or safe suntans. Take these precautions protect against overexposure to sunlight: Cover up. Wear tightly woven clothing that blocks out light. Use sunscreen. A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93 percent of UV rays. Block both UVA and UVB rays to guard against skin cancer. Be sure to follow application directions on the bottle. Wear a hat. A wide brim hat (not a baseball cap) is ideal because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. A full brim hard hat is best. Wear UV-absorbent safety glasses. Safety glasses don t have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Examine your body monthly to look for signs of skin cancer. The most important warning sign is a spot on the skin that changes in size, shape, or color during a period of one month to one or two years. Skin cancer that is detected early can almost always be cured. Revision Page 1 of 5

2 ANIMALS, INSECTS, SNAKES, AND POISONOUS PLANTS Plants and animals can cause rashes, illness, and even death. Outdoor work can expose you to animal bites, such as from ticks or snakes, and to plants like poison ivy and poison oak. To prevent problems: Watch for snakes, animals and insects that may be seeking shelter in high grass, debris or equipment. Steer clear of animals. Wear the recommended protective clothing such as boots and gloves. If you are allergic to insect bites or stings, carry your emergency kit to control the reaction. It is advisable to notify your supervisor of your allergy. Learn to identify the poisonous snakes, spiders and stinging insects in your area. Snakes are unlikely to bite unless they are trapped or threatened. Learn to recognize and avoid poisonous plants such as poison oak, ivy, and sumac. Seek treatment immediately for bites or contact with poisonous plants. Wear an EPA-registered insect repellent containing 20-30% DEET or Picaridin on exposed skin to protect from ticks. Another effective technique is to spray DEET on your clothing to repel ticks or apply permethrin on clothing to kill ticks. LIGHTNING STRIKES A single stroke of lightning may have 125,000,000 volts of electricity. That s enough power to light a 100-watt light bulb for more than 3 months, or enough to seriously hurt or kill someone. For every five seconds you count, the lighting is one mile away. If you can see a flash and instantly hear thunder, the lightning strike is very close and you should seek shelter immediately. When you see lightning, follow these safety rules: If you're outdoors, seek shelter from lightning! Buildings are best for shelter, but if none are available, try to find protection in a cave, ditch, or canyon. Trees are not good cover! If you re in the woods, look for an area of shorter trees and crouch down away from tree trunks. Stay off or away from anything tall or high including rooftops, scaffolding, utility poles and ladders. If you re traveling, stay in your vehicle and roll up the windows. Don t touch the metal parts of the vehicle. Do not use metal objects outside, such as digging bars or metal tools. If your skin tingles or your hair stands on the end, a lightning strike may be about to happen. Crouch down on the balls of your feet with your feet close together. Keep your hands on your knees and lower your head. Get as low as possible without touching your hands or knees to the ground. DO NOT LIE DOWN! Revision Page 2 of 5

3 When someone is struck by lightning, get emergency medical help as soon as possible. Often the person can be revived with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). There is no danger to anyone helping a person who has been struck by lightning - no electric charge remains. Start CPR immediately. Revision Page 3 of 5

4 Company: Topic: Location: Date: WEEKLY SAFETY PROGRAM REVIEW AND PRESENTATION 1. Remind all employees that it is their right to a safe work place. Each employee is responsible to report and respond to unsafe work practices and conditions. 2. Review of recent incidents, injuries, and reported near misses. 3. Recent observations, safety violations, and demonstrated lack of knowledge or skills. 4. Employee suggested corrective actions for avoiding future reoccurrences. 5. Existing and upcoming work activities and potential hazards. Include review of supporting materials or documents and demonstrate safe work procedures. 6. Employee workplace safety concerns and recommendations. 7. Safety topic presentation. Include review of company policies, procedures, and location specific expectations. Encourage questions and clarifications. 8. Additional meeting notes. Revision Page 4 of 5

5 Company: Topic: Location: Date: Printed Full Legal Name Department/Division Signature Instructor 1: Instructor 2: Translator: Printed Full Legal Name Signature Revision Page 5 of 5