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Working outdoors in hot weather presents special exposures for workers. Besides
the long-term concern with skin cancer from exposure to the sun, three
immediate concerns that should be addressed are heat exhaustion, Lyme disease
and West Nile virus infection.
Heat
The combination of heat and humidity can be a serious health threat during hot
weather. Workers at a beach resort, on a farm or outdoors at a construction
site should protect themselves from injury and illness due to exposure to
excessive heat. Workers should take these precautions:
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Drink plenty of water - don’t wait until you are thirsty.
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Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing, such as clothing made of
cotton.
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Take frequent short breaks and stay in the shade.
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Eat smaller meals, but on a more frequent basis, before and during work
activity.
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Avoid caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
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Be aware that equipment, such as respirators or work suits, can increase heat
stress.
Lyme disease
This illness is caused by bites from infected ticks. There is an increased risk
for workers involved in construction, landscaping, forestry, brush clearing,
land surveying, farming, railroads, oil fields, utility work or park and
wildlife management. Workers should take these precautions:
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Wear light-colored clothes to make ticks more visible.
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Wear long-sleeve shirts.
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Tuck pant legs into socks or boots.
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Wear high boots or closed shoes that cover the feet completely.
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Wear a hat.
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Apply tick repellants over the entire body, except the face.
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Check for ticks after work and remove any attached ticks promptly with
fine-tipped tweezers - do not use petroleum jelly, a hot match or nail polish
to remove ticks.
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Shower after work.
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Wash and dry work clothes at a high temperature.
West Nile virus infection
This illness is caused by bites from infected mosquitoes - while it is rare, it
does happen. To protect from mosquito bites, workers should take these
precautions:
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Empty standing water in containers, discarded tires and buckets, which can be
mosquito breeding areas.
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Apply insect repellent with DEET to exposed skin.
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Spray clothing with repellents containing DEET or permethrin.
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Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks.
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Be extra vigilant at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
COPYRIGHT ©2003, ISO Services Properties, Inc.
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