Seasonal Safety

Rainfall, snow melt, coastal storms, storm surges, and dam and water system overflows all can lead to flooding. Floodwater can, in turn, cause power outages, disrupt transportation and damage buildings. In 2017, 182 people died from flooding-related incidents, data from Weather.gov shows.

What role does scheduling play in cold weather work?

If you think you don’t need to worry about the flu, look at the 2017-18 season and think again.

Snow-covered or icy roads, and slick driving surfaces resulting from heavy rain – these are just some of the weather-related conditions that workers may encounter. All this severe weather potential raises the question: Should workplaces have severe weather policies?

Sun protection may not be top of mind for outdoor workers during the colder months, but ignoring skin protection in the wintertime is a mistake.

The American Academy of Dermatology cautions outdoor workers to be aware of an invisible hazard: the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Exposure to these rays for hours is a major risk factor for a number of skin cancers, including melanoma – the most serious form.

Falls continue to plague the construction industry. According to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of death in construction.

Secaucus, NJ — Lyme disease is becoming more common outside the Northeast and more prevalent in the United States overall, a recent study by lab services provider Quest Diagnostics shows.

Even if you don’t live or work in an earthquake-prone area, don’t dismiss the threat. Earthquakes can occur in all 50 states.

The threat of lightning is one of the hazards of working outdoors. OSHA points out that employees who work outdoors in open spaces or on or near tall objects have a significant risk for exposure to lightning.