Seasonal safety: Spring

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Arlington, VA – More than 40 percent of health care professionals who reported at least one symptom of influenza during a recent flu season did not stay home from work, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pressure washers are used to clean large areas, including buildings, parking lots, vehicles and other machinery. These high-powered tools also are used in disaster cleanup. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a pressure washer’s intense spray can cause wounds and other serious injuries that may at first appear minor.

A chain saw’s revving sound is unmistakable, and using one is “inherently hazardous,” according to OSHA. In fact, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that roughly 36,000 people are treated annually in emergency rooms for chain saw-related injuries.

Outdoor workers face a variety of hazards on the job. Beyond the usual suspects – severe weather, extreme temperatures, and traffic – an additional concern may be present: ticks.

From homes and workplaces to sidewalks and playgrounds, cement is everywhere. According to the Portland Cement Association, cement is one of the safest building materials available – when precautions are observed.

How much hydration is enough?

Outdoor workers occasionally encounter animals when they’re on the job. The Humane Society and U.S. Postal Service provide guidelines on how to avoid dog attacks and bites.

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.