I received this email recently and we have previously talked about not using cruise control when it is raining.  We want to repeat that tip, as well as this one:

  GOOD VISION IN A DOWNPOUR 

How to achieve good vision while driving during a heavy downpour.  We are not sure why it is so effective; just try this method when it rains heavily. This was told by a police friend who had experienced and confirmed it. It is useful….even driving at night. Most of the motorists would turn on HIGH or FASTEST SPEED of the wipers during heavy downpour, yet the visibility in front of the windshield is still bad……  In the event you face such a situation, just try your SUN GLASSES (any model will do), and miracle! All of a sudden, your visibility in front of your windshield is perfectly clear, as if there is no rain.  Make sure you always have a pair of SUN GLASSES in your car, as you are not only helping yourself to drive safely with good vision, but also might save your friend’s life by giving him this idea.  How about a pair of good safety sunglasses?  Those who have tried this method say the gray or green lens seem to work best.  Possibly, the yellow ones would work, too. Try it yourself and share it with your friends! Amazing, you still see the drops on the windshield, but not the sheet of rain falling.  You can see where the rain bounces off the road. It works to eliminate the “blindness” from passing semi’s spraying you too.  Or the “kickup” if you are following a semi or car in the rain. They should teach that little tip in driver’s training. It really does work. 

This warning is a good one! I wonder how many people know about this~  A 36 year old female had an accident which totaled her car. A resident of Kilgore, Texas, she was traveling between Gladewater & Kilgore. It was raining, though not excessively, when her car suddenly began to hydroplane and literally flew through the air. She was not seriously injured but very stunned at the sudden occurrence!  When she explained to the highway patrolman what had happened he told her something that every driver should know -NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN WITH YOUR CRUISE CONTROL ON! She thought she was being cautious by setting the cruise control and maintaining a safe consistent speed in the rain. But the highway patrolman told her that if the cruise control is on when your car begins to hydroplane and your tires lose contact with the pavement, your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed making you take off like an airplane. She told the patrolman that was exactly what had occurred.

The patrolman said this warning should be listed, on the driver’s seat sun-visor – NEVER USE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE PAVEMENT IS WET OR ICY, along with the airbag warning. We tell our teenagers to set the cruise control and drive a safe speed – but we don’t tell them to use the cruise control only when the pavement is dry.  The only person the accident victim found, who knew this (besides the patrolman), was a man who had a similar accident, totaled his car and sustained severe injuries.

True story:  A local young man from my home town was traveling down an interstate highway with his girlfriend, when it began to rain heavily.  He was driving at a high speed, when his car hydroplaned; he was ejected from the car and lost his life.  The young lady survived without injury, but this is an example to not drive at an unsafe speed in the rain, and buckle your seat belt at all times.

NOTE: Some vehicles (like the Toyota Sienna Limited XLE) will not allow you to set the cruise control when the windshield wipers are on. If you send this your friends that are not aware of this, it is worth it. You may save a life.

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This year, the United States has seen more than its fair share of natural disasters: the beginning of hurricane season, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires.  Sometimes, wildfires are natural, because they begin with lightning, or others acts of nature; however, they may be intentionally set.  If you ask all those thousands of citizens who have been affected by any of the above devestation, there’s the possibility that they were not prepared. 

This information from www.ready.gov supports how we and other safety sites have advised you on how to be prepared for these disasters.  Many of the suggestions are the same for each type of occurrence: tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes.  

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms.  They can appear suddenly without warning and can be invisible until dust and debris are picked up or a funnel cloud appears.  You must be prepared to act quickly, by planning and practicing specifically how and where you take shelter.  Tornadoes are more common in the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest; however,  they can happen in any state and at any time of the year; therefore advance preparation is vitally important. 

Hurricanes are usually forecast ahead of time, which gives businesses and individuals time to get ready before they touch land.  Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential.  Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.  

A hurricane or tornado watch means that this event is possible in your area.  Be prepared to evacuate, and listen to your local weather and law enforcement agencies  when they tell you to leave your home.  A hurricane or tornado warning is when this natural disaster is expected in your area.  Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the most current weather developments. 

Flooding is the nation’s most common natural disaster.  This can happen in every U.S. state and territory.  Some may develop slowly during rain, or others, such as flash floods can occur quickly.  If you live in a low-lying area, near a lake, or downstream from a dam, it is always important to be prepared for flooding situations.  Never try to drive through flowing water in low places; the current has the power to push your vehicle off the road.

With any or all of these events possible, the same suggestions apply:

Have an Emergency Supply Kit:

• Bottled water;
• Battery-operated radio;
• Cell phone;
• First Aid Kit;
• Flashlight;
• Important documents and prescription medications;
• Sleeping bags and pillows and changes of clothing;
• Three-day supply of non-perishable food;
• Manual can opener and plastic eating utensils;
• Avoid salty foods that make you thirsty;
• High energy foods;
• Food for infants;
• Pet foods;
• Crackers, nuts, peanut butter, dry cereal, granola bars, fruit bars. 

Have a Family Emergency Plan.  You may all be scattered if disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact each other, how you will get back together, and what you will do.  Plan places where you can meet.  Out-of-town contacts may be in a better position to communicate among separated families. 

Have a Business Emergency Plan.  Think about how you may keep your business going during times that your building is not accessible.  Consider if you could run your business from a different location or from your home, or develop relationships with other companies to use their facilities in case a disaster makes your location unusable. 

Hopefully, you will be spared from any of these disasters, but just in case, think seriously about how you and your family can best be prepared to handle any situation that may arise. 

Source: ready.gov/America/beinformed

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As of this writing, Saturday, August 27th, the Northeast coast of the U.S. is ready and waiting to see what Hurrican Irene does.  Many precautions have been taken, and people seem to be paying attention to the warnings that the authorities have given them to evacuate.  As early as Friday, New York City hospitals were transferring patients to other hospitals or home, if they were able to go,  as long as they are out of harm’s way.

The United States has seen its share of weather abnormalties this year – excessive rain in some parts, and extreme drought in the Southern and Midwestern states.  There’s too much rain in places, and too little in others.  As they say, “feast or famine.”  Last spring, there were tornadoes that devastated communities, and residents are just now beginning to rebuild.  Flooding occurred as a result of heavy snows melting from the mountains.  Another unusual type of disaster – the wildfires that ravaged thousands of acres in Texas and California.  Then, what about the “dust bowl” in Arizona?  Believe me, if you’ve ever lived in a desert area, you know what those dust storms are all about.   So, Mother Nature, what goes?

These are seasonal storms that make their way out of the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico and leave paths of destruction.  TODAY: MONDAY, AUGUST 29TH:  Irene has passed by the Northeastern coast, leaving approximately 21 dead;  and damage estimated at $7 billion.  Irene turned into a tropical storm late Sunday, leaving flooding behindd and possible spawning of tornadoes.  New Yorkers were relieved that it was not like the nightmare authorities feared.  According to today’s Ft Worth Star-Telegram, causes of deaths included water, falling trees, and electricity.  There will be many homes and businesses that must be repaired or rebuilt, but another big challenge is restoring power to the 4.5 million homes and businesses without power.  Travelers have been inconvenienced by delayed flights and other means of transportation.  The light at the end of the tunnel is that most of those involved in this area paid attention to the weather warnings and heeded their advice.

As the news and weather personnel instruct everyone, be prepared.  They are doing their job to warn us in the event of a natural occurrence.  We must do our part to be ready.  As advised, have a plan for your family, where you can go to escape the threat, and have your emergency supplies packed and ready.

• A 3-day supply of fresh water.
• Non-perishable food.
• First Aid Kit.
• Important papers.
• Cell phone and battery charger.
• Flashlight, and candles in case of power outage.
• Arrangements for your pets. Take them with you if possible.
• Extra clothing.
• Keep your car filled up with gas during threatening weather.

Here we go, complaining (naturally) about the terrible weather conditions that our nation has gone through this past spring and summer.  Then, I think about what our young men and women are going through, wearing all that heavy gear, as they fight their way in hot, dusty, dirty countries.  I feel sure they would love to be in the good old U.S.A., regardless of the threat of storms.  The kind of storm they battle every day is more fierce  than anything we can imagine.

This also brings to mind the horrible earthquake in Japan, and the struggle their citizens are coping with to rebuild parts of their country.  Haiti, another country that had a devastating earthquake, is still coping with the disaster that hit their land.  Again, what is going on with Mother Nature? How about giving Mother Earth a break?

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Approximately 141 million Americans are living under heat advisories and warnings.  Everywhere you read the news, more and more people are dying because of the heat. High temperatures have already broken records, or are on their way to doing so.  Recently, in some parts of the country, to add insult to injury, there have been destructive and deadly thunderstorms sweeping through.  According to the National Weather Service, heat waves kill more people in the United States than all of the other weather related disasters combined.  The ten-year average – (1997-2006) for heat related deaths in the U.S is 170 in a typical year.  I hope 2011 doesn’t break that record, but I fear that it may.

We often think, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.”  Actually, it’s both.  Heat waves form when high pressure aloft strengthens and remains over a region for several days up to several weeks.  More common in summer, the jet stream follows the sun.  Summertime weather patterns are generally slower to change than in winter.  This results in a mid-level high pressure moving slowly.  Under high pressure, the air sinks toward the surface.  This sinking air acts as a dome capping the atmosphere.  This darned cap helps to trap heat instead of allowing it to lift.  Without the lift, there is little or no convection and therefore little or no cumulus clouds, with minimal chances for rain.  The end result is a continual build-up of heat at the surface that we experience as a heat wave.  Thanks to the National Weather Service for this information.  I have trouble even following the weatherman when it comes to the technical stuff.  But one thing we all know for sure: IT’S HOT!

The National Weather Service wants to protect life and property by explaining a measure of how the hot weather “feels” to the body.  The Heat Index shows a table, which uses relative humidity and dry bulb temperature to produce the “apparent temperature” or the “temperature the body “feels”.  Remember, these values are for shady locations only.  Exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15 degrees F.  Strong winds, especially with very hot, dry air, can be extremely hazardous, as the wind adds heat to the body.

The best advice is to stay inside where it’s cool as much as possible until the weather cools down.  Hopefully, that’s only a few weeks away.  But for those souls who must be outside doing their job, practicing sports, marching in bands, getting ready for school….hopefully, their leaders will do all they can to keep them hydrated.  They must have plenty of water breaks, and when possible, let teams and bands do the practicing at night under lights.  It would be worth more to spend a little money on lights than have a student collapse from the heat, or worse.  So far, the U.S. has had reported deaths of elderly, persons who did not have any type of coolers, children left in cars, athletes, and a high school coach.  The numbers change so often, I wouldn’t even try to report how many so far throughout the country have died from the heat.

Just pay attention to what your weather forecast is, and do all you can to protect yourself from the heat.  Wear a hat, lots of sunscreen, and anything else that will keep you cool.  Don’t walk on hot pavement in sandals.  One lady received 2^nd degree burns on both feet when she walked to the grocery store in flip-flops.  It was reported that the pavement was 145 degrees at the time!

Stay cool, pray for rain, and hope that we have an early fall!

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The subject in one of OSHA’s QuickTakes articles for the month of July is “Water, Rest, and Shade: Protecting Workers from Heat-Related Illnesses”.  As we all know, this summer has been a very hot one so far, with several weeks to go.  OSHA is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on weather service alerts to incorporate worker safety precautions when heat alerts are issued across the United States.  NOAA is including pertinent worker safety information on its Heat Watch Web page.  Because conditions are extremely hot with high humidity this season, companies would be wise to follow all advisories to keep their employees as safe as possible during this trying time. 

Which brings up the question, how much water should we drink?  Water is the body’s principle chemical component and makes up about 60 per cent of your body weight.  Your entire body’s system depends on water.  Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions.  You can become tired and suffer energy loss with even mild dehydration.   We’ve all been told to consume six to eight glasses of water per day.  Dr. Margaret McCartney, a Scottish physician, states that there is no quality scientific evidence to support this recommendation, which she says can lead to over-hydration in some individuals.  This eight-glass formula doesn’t fit everyone.  The more active a person is, the more they will need to replace fluids.  Larger people, pregnant and nursing women, and those who take dehydrating medications will likely need to add more water to their diet. 

The Mayo Clinic staff suggests that your water needs depend on many factors, such as your health, how active you are, and where you live.  Because water is essential to good health, needs vary by individual.  If you use thirst as a guide for when to drink, by the time you are thirsty, you may already be slightly dehydrated.  As you get older, your body is less able to sense dehydration and send your brain signals of thirst.  Here are some tips to ward off dehydration, and make sure your body has the fluids it needs:

• Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal;
• Hydrate before, during and after exercise;
• Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social events. 

Many outside workers are exercising in temperatures that are very hot,  causing them to sweat more.  These folks will need to increase their water intake.  Oral hydration solutions, such as Gatorade, Powerade or CeraLyte may help those who are in situations that cause them to sweat heavily.  Some experts recommend that bodies only need a minimal amount to keep the body in balance and give that energy kick.  Sometimes simply taking sips or swishing a sports drink will do the trick. 

At home, select foods that keep you hydrated and healthy.  Strawberries, cantaloupes, watermelon, and peaches are packed full of water and potassium, which is the electrolyte lost when your body sweats.  This is a great way to balance fluids that your body needs, and regulate your heartbeat and circulation.  Plus – they are delicious! 

Rest, shade and water are very important for your employees.  Individuals know what their body needs, and they must be diligent about taking the time to stop for a drink of water throughout the day. You can find more information on the OSHA website, as well as NOAA’s  website.  Try to stay cool, take breaks during the day, and stay hydrated!

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We have mentioned UVA and UVB rays in several articles and the damage that they can do to your skin and eyes.  Another consideration to factor in is what can happen if you are taking certain medications and are exposed to the sun.  We all worry about skin cancer, but there are other sun illnesses that can occur.  Because of some of the ingredients in certain medications, and depending on the sensitivity of a person, even a very brief exposure to the sun or using a tanning booth or sunlamp can cause a person to experience a burn. 

According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, in a recent article in AARP Magazine, there are three types of sun illnesses: phototoxicity, photoallergy and sun-induced eczema.  Also,  Brian Adams, M.D., a University of Cincinnati dermatologist, reports that some of the most common causes of a phototoxic reaction (sunburn) related to medication ingestion are the tetracyclines, (antibiotics).  This is frequently experienced, minutes to hours after UV exposure, causing pain and exacerbated sunburn.  Photoallergy and sun-induced eczema are more rare, and occur either gradually, over time, or one to two days after UV exposure, and can occur to either sun-exposed skin or anywhere on skin.  Their main symptoms are itching and redness, rash, and possibly blistering. 

According to Dr. Oz, dermatologists think long-term, intense sun exposure may alter our skin in such a way that our immune system no longer recognizes it as our own.  Sun-induced eczema occurs when your entire immune system goes haywire, causing itchy, red skin, or in some cases, blisters.  This is more common in older men who have a history of working outdoors, or women who love to sunbathe.  

This is a list of the types of medications that can irritate your skin if you are taking or using:

• NSAIDS;
• Antibiotics;
• Statins;
• Hypoglycemics;
• Diuretics;
• Sunscreens – containing para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), cinnamates, benzophenones, salicylates.
• Fragrances, such as musk ambrette, 6-methylcoumarin, sandalwood. 

Fragrances, you wonder?  A sun allergy, called a photoallergy, comes on more slowly but can be dangerous.  This type of sensitivity usually happens when UV rays convert a chemical, such as a fragrance on your skin, into a substance that your immune system decides to attack, which results in an itchy, red rash that takes several days to go away. 

Experts at the University of Cincinnati report that sunscreen is designed for use under normal circumstances, and certain medications can cause abnormal conditions.  Because we have no preliminary test for knowing what type of reaction a person will have, experience can be hazardous.  The experts say the best defense is to avoid the sun altogether when taking medications recognized as producing an adverse reaction.  If you absolutely have to be out in the sun, take precautions with additional sunscreen and sunblock, paying attention to the face by using zinc oxide on sensitive areas such as the mouth, nose and ears.  Wearing a hat and sun protective clothing is always recommended. 

The American Skin Cancer’s website has a list of medications that can cause adverse reactions to sunlight.  One other thing to remember, (for next winter): some of the worst cases occur in the winter, when skiers, who are on these medications, do not apply any sunscreen to exposed parts of their face because, in part, they think it is too cold to sunburn. 

Source: AARP Magazine

             University of Cincinnati

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We hope your Fourth of July celebration went off without a hitch!  No traffic tickets, no sunburn, no fireworks injuries, and or other obstacles in the way of slowing you down to get back to work today, hopefully.  This time of the year is the greatest time for us to enjoy our freedom and show our support for our troops.  As you go through the rest of the summer, keep them in mind and let’s hope they are all back to help us celebrate in the near future.  One thing to remember: it’s even hotter where they are than where we are! 

July is UV Safety Month, sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.  Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of skin cancer, and can also damage your eyes.  This is a good time to send the message of safety during sun and fun times.  Those who work in the sun also need to be warned about the damage that UV rays can cause, in order to take precautions to avoid these types of health problems. 

The highest risk for getting skin cancer seems to be for those who have:

• Blond or red hair;
• Blue or green eyes;
• White or light-colored skin with freckles.

Those people especially, but let’s include everyone else to take these steps to prevent skin cancer:

• Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if possible;
• Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Use sunscreen that has UVA and UVB protection – “broad spectrum” sunscreen.
• Cover up with long sleeves and a hat;
• Check your skin regularly for any changes. 

UV damage can also cause wrinkles and blotchy skin.  Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.  Tanning indoors is not safe, either.  According to Dr. Carol Cola, who works in the Department of Surgery at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, around 90 per cent of skin cancers appear on the neck, head, ears, lips, or hands – areas that are most often exposed to the sun.  Sunburn can happen anywhere – driving a car, through a glass window, or reflections off concrete, sand, or snow. 

To do a self-examination for skin cancer, simply watch for any changes in size or color of freckles, moles, or birthmarks.  If you notice anything different, see your physician or dermatologist.  Recent studies by the Skin Cancer Foundation state that studies have recently indicated that only 23 per cent of damage from UV exposure happens to most young people by the age of 18 – not the 80 per cent that was formerly thought to be.  This shows that there is benefit to be gained for persons of any age, to protect themselves from damaging rays.  It still is important that we use sunscreen on our children and sunshades that will protect their eyes. 

UVA and UVB rays can hurt your eyes.  This type of radiation can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and some cancers.  The use of proper types of sunshades can help prevent this from happening.  It’s always been “cool” to wear sunshades, just be sure you purchase polarized ones that protect from both UVA and UVB rays. 

Everyone at work in should get involved in spreading the message that damage from the sun can be very harmful, even deadly!  Posters need to be placed right by the doors before workers step out into that hot sun.  Companies could ask a health professional to demonstrate how to check skin regularly for skin-cancer warning signs.  A local dermatologist, registered nurse, or public health official would be happy to help educate your employees about the dangers of skin cancer.  Place a memo in their paychecks to remind them to do all they can to protect their skin and eyes from radiation from the sun.  

We hope this will serve as a reminder to all of you to try to stay as cool as possible this summer – it is already a scorcher!   There are many products that can help protect you, so take advantage of them.

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By now,  most of us are getting ready to celebrate on Monday,  our nation’s birthday – July 4th – Independence Day!  I want to send greetings to all of you from our home, where the grand old flag will be flying, and wish everyone a safe holiday. (Sorry, the flag looks backwards, but the wind was blowing!)

We have already talked about fireworks, so we’ll give that subject a rest!  Many are packing their bags for trips, so let’s talk about travel first.  The main thing is to be packed and ready to get an early start, because you know your friendly State troopers will be there, watching to be sure you don’t speed, and that you are safe.  If you need assistance, you can count on them, as well, to be of help.  Please don’t carry on conversations on your cell phone while driving, and above all, don’t text or drink and drive!

There are many activities that families can plan right at home, and not have to be involved in the hustle and bustle of travel.  One of my favorite memories is going to our best friends’ home every Fourth of July for grilled hamburgers and home-made ice cream!  Now we live miles away, so we had to stop that tradition; however, we make up for it when we visit each other, which is quite often.  Moms and dads can find easy crafts for the kids with some red, white and blue items that they probably can find in the house.  Local parks will be full of folks of all ages, with volleyball games, croquet, barbecues, picnics, baseball games, and many activities.

If you plan to go boating, be sure to have life jackets in the boat for each passenger.  Obey the rules of boating, and do not drink while driving a boat, as the penalty is the same as for driving a car while drinking.  Watch for other boaters, swimmers, and those on jet skis.  Sometimes everyone thinks they own that particular spot on the water, and it just doesn’t work that way!

Swimmers should be prepared with lots of sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat and cover-up when they get out of the water.  Stay in pairs, just in case someone gets in water that is too deep.  Be sure if you are swimming on a beach or lake to check out the water quality for contamination.  There should be signs posted with some type of useful information.

If you are the outdoors type and want to take a hike, be sure you let someone know your plans and when you will be returning.  If you need to build a campfire, build it with sticks no larger than an adult wrist.  (Of course, first, be sure that you are not in an area where campfires are banned.)  Never leave that fire unattended and keep it small.  A fire that is not “dead out” can be rekindled by wind and start a wildfire.  Keep water handy and a shovel for throwing dirt on the fire in case it gets out of control.  Stir the remains and be sure all materials are cooled down.  Drown it with water, even move rocks to see there’s no fire beneath them. Feel all materials with bare hands to be sure that no wood is burning before leaving the campsite.

If you are cooking outdoors, beware of bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses.  Be sure all utensils are clean and that you have a good source of water.  Separate raw meat from cooked meat and poultry.  Keep cold food cold and hot food hot.  Don’t let food set out for more than 1 hour in hot weather.  Keep it in an ice chest once the meal is finished.

Have a great Fourth of July, but don’t overdo it when it comes to food, alcohol, sun, or exercise.  Take along the proper clothing, suncreeen, insect repellent, and other remedies that will make you feel better tomorrow!   Remember why some of us get to be off on this day, and why we observe it.  There are young men and women who don’t have the day off, and are in countries where they can’t celebrate the way we do.  When you see our flag, think of what it stands for, and the sacrifices they make every day.  May God Bless Each One of Them, their families, all of us, and the U.S.A.

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It seems that the U.S. is behind Canada and Europe when it comes to labeling sunscreen products.  In the past, manufacturers were not required to disclose how well their products protect against cancer-causing ultraviolet A, (UVA) rays.  Only the amount of protection against ultraviolet B was required to be on the label.  Both types of UV rays cause skin damage, including premature skin aging and skin cancer.  UVB primarily causes sunburn while UVA light is more damaging because it penetrates the skin farther, causing wrinkles and other problems. 

A beautiful tan is very attractive, but if the one who is working on that tan could only realize the results that might be caused later in life, they might forgo the tan and protect their skin.  A Sun Protection Factor (SPF) doesn’t offer insights into UVA protection.  

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.  Each year, 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed and treated.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, almost 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.  While most skin cancers are curable, squamous cell carcenomas kill 2,500 Americans each year, and melanoma kills 8,700 Americans annually, according to the American Cancer Society. 

It is important that we protect our youngsters now, because these cancers are developing while they are young.  My best friend has had all three types of skin cancers, and she must consistently go for biopsies and treatment.  She is very fair, and has blue eyes;  her dermatologist told her that this all began when she was a child.  

The labeling of sunscreen as sun block implies inaccurate information that makes claims the protection will offer more than 2 hours of protection, or is water-proof or sweat-proof -without indicating the length of time of full protection.  Experts recommend using a sunscreen of at least 50 SPF.  Studies show that some of the sunscreens that are most protective are not necessarily the most expensive ones.  

Until the new labeling is available, it is recommended that you slather on a glob of sunscreen the size of a golf ball and do so very often.  (You’ll go through a tube quickly, but it’s worth it!) Having to deal with skin cancer is not something you want to face, or for your children to have to go through.  If you have to be outside, wear a hat, protective clothing, and even take along an umbrella.  When swimming, apply that protective lotion religiously.

Safety sunglasses are manufactured that offer 99.9% protection from UVA/UVB/UVC rays.  Our eyes must also be protected from the sun at all times; even small children need that protection.  Thankfully, glasses have been designed to take care of the risks of exposure to UV rays.  Maybe next year we will have full disclosure of the protection we can expect from sunscreens. 

Source:ABC News

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Even though OSHA does not have a specific standard for heat stress, employees are protected under the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act because heat-related illnesses are a serious hazard.  The General Duty Clause states that employers are required to “provide a place of employment free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to its employees.”  Persons who work either outdoors, or indoors in hot buildings, seem to have accidents more often than in moderate temperatures.    If a person becomes overheated, the effect may be mental confusion, tiredness, and irritability.  These conditions can result in poor judgment and unsafe practices. 

Yesterdays’ installment discussed the causes of heat-related illness and symptoms to watch for.  These are ways that employers can protect their employees:

• Train all employees to know the signs and symptoms and how to respond;
• Schedule the hardest work during the coolest part of the day;
• Encourage the buddy system; (working in pairs)
• Furnish cool water and ask employees to drink one cup every 15 to 20 minutes; also encourage them to wear light-colored, loosing fitting clothing;
• Reduce radiant heat by placing shields around hot machines or furnaces;
• Discourage employees from eating large meals or consuming caffeine before and during work in hot environments;
• Increase the amount of insulation on furnace walls;
• Open windows and doors;
• Use exhaust ventilators or air blowers;
• Lower humidity levels by installing exhaust hoods over areas that release moisture; and
• Provide tools and equipment that reduce physical demands on employees. 

Here are several ways to treat victims of heat exhaustion:

• Provide cool water to drink;
• Move them to a cool, shaded area;
• Fan the person;
• Cool the skin with a wet cloth;
• Loosen and remove heavy clothing;
• If he/she is dizzy, lay victim on his/her back and raise their legs 6” to 8”.
• If she/he is nauseated, lay victim on his/her side.
• Stay with the victim.
• Call for emergency help if the victim doesn’t feel better in a short time.  If heat exhaustion is not treated, the illness may advance to heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness.  Signs of a heat stroke are:
• Dry pale skin (no sweating);
• Hot red skin;
• Mood change, (confused, irritable)
• Collapse/unconsciousness;
• Seizures, fits. 

Prompt first aid for someone suffering the symptoms of heat stroke should include the same first aid for heat exhaustion, plus:  Call for emergency help; lay victim on his/her back unless he/she is unconscious; remove any objects close by if victim has a seizure; provide cool water to drink if conscious; and place ice packs under armpits and in the groin area. 

Employees are at increased risk for heat-related illness when they:

• Are dehydrated or fatigued.
• Use improper work methods;
• Have infrequent exposure to hot temperatures and high humidity;
• Are over the age of 40;
• Use certain medications (antihistamines, diuretics, and some tranquilizers)
• Are in poor physical condition or overweight;
• Have used drugs/alcohol within the past 24 hours prior to working in the heat;
• Have heat rash or sunburn;
• Have had prior heat-related illnesses;
• Wear too much or restrictive clothing. 

If you happen to have a heat-related incident or if a co-worker experiences any of the symptoms we have described, this knowledge is invaluable.  For those supervisors who are fortunate to work in an air-conditioned atmosphere, do all you can to keep your employees as safe and comfortable as possible.  In a building, large fans will at least circulate the air. 

Source: OSHA, Texas Department of Insurance

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