Weather

Working outside in the sun can cause serious skin problems, including burns and skin cancer.

Disasters can manifest in a variety of ways. Taking preventive measures and planning ahead can help you remain calm in an emergency.

If you witnessed a worker being struck by lightning, would you know how to help?

Do your employees know what to do in the event of a fire or a tornado? What about a nearby chemical spill or a gunman in the building? Ready.gov, a FEMA website aimed at educating people about preparing and responding to emergencies, urges all employers to train workers on evacuation, sheltering and lockdown procedures.

If you work outside, do so safely and know your body’s limits.

Extremely cold weather can be dangerous for outdoor workers and those who work in an area that is poorly insulated or without a heat source. Two dangerous health risks associated with cold weather are hypothermia and frostbite.

As winter approaches, one thing outdoor workers should know about is the “cold stress equation.” According to OSHA, low temperatures plus wind speed and wetness equals injuries and illnesses.

Workers who are exposed to extreme cold may be at risk of cold stress. Hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot and chilblain are all examples of illnesses that can be caused by extremely cold or wet weather whenever temperatures drop.

Floodwaters can be contaminated with any number of dangerous substances that may cause serious illness or even death, such as micro-organisms, sewage and industrial waste. It is imperative to maintain good hygiene when working in areas affected by floods.

Cleaning up after hurricanes or other storms exposes cleanup workers to floodwaters, which can carry some serious health risks. Floodwaters can be contaminated with micro-organisms, sewage, industrial waste, chemicals or other substances that can cause illness or death, according to OSHA.