what are the risks on a hike
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Published by SALUSHiking commonly involves environmental, terrain, and personal health hazards. Key risks include uneven or steep ground, wet or icy surfaces, sudden weather changes, heat or cold stress, dehydration, getting lost, and encounters with insects, snakes, or other wildlife. Snow, ice, high winds, and melting snow increase slip, trip, and fall risk, while uneven terrain and steep grades further increase fall potential. [7] [5]
Practical hiking safety precautions include planning, proper clothing, hydration, pacing, and emergency readiness.
- Check trail conditions, forecast, temperature swings, wind, storm potential, and daylight before departure; postpone or shorten hikes when conditions are severe.
- Tell someone your route, start time, expected return time, and when to call for help if you do not check in.
- Carry navigation tools and know how to use them: map, compass, GPS/phone, and backup power.
- Wear footwear with good traction and ankle support suited to mud, rock, snow, or ice; slow down on descents, stream crossings, loose gravel, and exposed edges.
- Use layered clothing so you can add or remove insulation as conditions change; keep spare dry clothing available.
- Bring enough water, drink regularly, and increase intake in hot, dry, high-exertion, or high-altitude conditions; carry electrolytes for long or sweaty hikes.
- Take rest breaks in shade during heat and in sheltered warm areas during cold or wind exposure.
- Carry a basic emergency kit: first aid supplies, headlamp, whistle, extra food and water, rain protection, insulation layer, fire-starting method where permitted, and emergency shelter/blanket.
- Avoid hiking alone in remote areas when possible, and turn around early if weather, fatigue, injury, or navigation problems develop.
- Stay on marked trails where possible to reduce fall, navigation, and environmental exposure risks.
For heat exposure, the main concerns are dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Risk rises with direct sun, humidity, strenuous uphill travel, poor acclimatization, and heavy clothing or PPE. Good controls are water, rest, shade, acclimatization, and adjusting pace or schedule to cooler parts of the day. [4] [9] [6]
- Start well hydrated and drink small amounts frequently rather than waiting until very thirsty.
- Use shade and frequent short breaks, especially during hot afternoons or on exposed trails.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing and sun protection.
- Watch for early heat illness signs: muscle cramps, heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, fainting, pale cool moist skin, or unusual fatigue.
- If symptoms appear, stop hiking, move to shade or a cool ventilated area, loosen clothing, cool the person, and seek medical help if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include collapse or altered mental status.
[8] [12] Cold-weather hiking hazards include cold stress, hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains. Wet clothing, wet feet, wind, and prolonged exposure sharply increase risk. Cold injuries can occur even in cool temperatures above freezing when feet stay wet or wind chill is significant. [3] [1] [3]
- Dress in several loose layers and avoid tight clothing that reduces circulation.
- Keep clothing and feet dry; change wet socks promptly and carry extras.
- Protect ears, face, hands, and feet; use waterproof insulated boots in cold or wet conditions and wear a hat.
- Limit time exposed to severe cold or wind and use warm sheltered breaks.
- Watch for numbness, tingling, swelling, redness, blisters, confusion, clumsiness, or uncontrolled shivering.
- For trench foot, remove wet footwear and socks, dry the feet, and avoid walking on injured feet.
- For suspected hypothermia, move the person to a warm area, warm the core first, and get emergency help.
[1] [1] [3] Wildlife and plant hazards on hikes commonly include ticks, mosquitoes, bees or wasps, snakes, dogs or larger animals, and poisonous plants such as poison ivy or poison oak. Prevention depends on avoidance, protective clothing, repellents, and post-hike checks. [11] [6]
- Do not approach, feed, or corner wildlife; give animals a wide berth and back away slowly if needed.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants in brushy or tick-prone areas; tuck pants into socks when appropriate.
- Use insect repellent on exposed skin and treat clothing as directed; avoid applying repellents to the face unless the product label allows it.
- Learn to identify poisonous plants and avoid touching unknown vegetation.
- Check your body and clothing for ticks after the hike and remove attached ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers.
- Seek prompt medical attention for severe allergic reactions, significant bites, suspected venomous snakebite, or signs of tick-borne illness.
[11] [6] Appropriate gear should match the hazards expected on the hike. Hazard assessment comes first, then use suitable PPE or protective equipment such as traction-appropriate boots, weather protection, sun protection, eye protection where needed, and emergency supplies. Footwear is especially important where surfaces are slippery, uneven, cold, or puncture-prone. [13] [2] [14]
Emergency preparedness for hiking means assuming help may be delayed by terrain or weather. Carry communication and survival essentials, know basic first aid, and have a clear turnaround plan. If someone is seriously injured, lost, hypothermic, or showing severe heat illness, activate emergency services early and stabilize the person while awaiting rescue. [10] [10]
- Before hiking, assess hazards such as terrain, weather, water crossings, remoteness, wildlife activity, and your fitness level.
- Use a buddy system or at minimum leave a trip plan with a reliable contact.
- Carry a charged phone or satellite communicator where coverage is poor, plus a whistle and light source.
- Know when to stop: worsening weather, fading daylight, route uncertainty, exhaustion, or injury are reasons to turn back.
- After any fall or exposure incident, reassess for head injury, fracture, sprain, heat illness, or cold injury before continuing.
Sources used for this answer
[1] Roadway Safety: Working outdoors
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# What Are the Symptoms? Hypothermia, frostbite have these symptoms. (cont.) ## Frostbite (cont.) BEGIN Working Outdoors INSTRUCTION ZONE ROADWAY SAFETY 8 # How Are Plants and Animals Hazardous? They can cause rashes, illness, even death. ## Outdoor work may expose you to • Bites from animals (dogs, snakes) and from insects and arachnids (bees, wasps, ticks, spiders) - Plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, hogweed ## To prevent these problems - Steer clear of any animals • Learn to recognize and avoid poisonous plants • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, use insect repellants • Check for tick bites each day for lyme disease (red bullseye) - Get prompt medical/first aid treatment for any problems SLOW
[2] Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold (cont.) ## How can a workplace plan for extreme cold? (cont.) It is important to note that emergency service providers, including paramedics and firefighters, may need more time to respond due to the weather and the increased demand for their services in the community. If a worker requires immediate medical attention (e.g., due to hypothermia, a slip, trip, or fall, or a motor vehicle collision), emergency services may be delayed or unable to respond in time. This competing demand for services further emphasizes the importance for workplaces to have preventative measures in place. Additional circumstances that can increase the risk of an injury, illness, or incident during extreme cold events include: - working outdoors - working in poorly heated areas - performing physically demanding work in cold temperatures - not having access to a heated sheltered area to rest and take breaks - driving vehicles or other equipment outdoors Extreme cold can put everyone at risk, although health risks are greater for: - people with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties or heart conditions - people that are pregnant - young children and older adults ## What control measures can the employer put in place? Prepare for extreme cold and winter weather by developing and implementing a cold stress plan and an emergency response plan. The most effective strategies to protect workers are to implement measures that eliminate or minimize a worker's exposure to extreme cold and winter weather. The hierarchy of controls can be used to select the most appropriate control measures. The hierarchy of controls is a step-by-step approach to eliminating or reducing the risk of workplace hazards. The hierarchy of controls prioritizes controls from the most effective level of protection to the least effective level of protection: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipm…
[3] Protecting Yourself from Cold Stress
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Open source documentSource excerpt
## Trench Foot An injury of the feet resulting from prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions that can occur at temperatures as high as 60 °F if the feet are constantly wet. ## Symptoms ■ Reddening of the skin ■ Numbness ■ Leg cramps - Swelling - Tingling pain ■ Blisters or ulcers ■Bleeding under the skin ## First Aid ■ Remove shoes/boots and wet socks. ■ Dry feet. ■ Avoid walking on feet, as this may cause tissue damage. - Gangrene (foot may turn dark purple, blue, or gray) ## Chilblains Ulcers formed by damaged small blood vessels in the skin, caused by the repeated exposure of skin to temperatures just above freezing to as high as 60 °F. ## Symptoms ■ Redness ■ Itching ■ Possible blistering ■Inflammation ■ Possible ulceration in severe cases ## First Aid ■ Avoid scratching. ■ Slowly warm the skin. ■ Use corticosteroid creams to relieve itching and swelling - Keep blisters and ulcers clean and covered. ## Protect Yourself - Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers. ■Wear appropriate clothing. - Wear several layers of loose clothing for insulation. - Tight clothing reduces blood circulation to the extremities. ■ Be aware that some clothing may restrict movement resulting in a hazardous situation. ■ Protect the ears, face, hands and feet in extremely cold or wet weather. - Boots should be waterproof and insulated. - Wear a hat to reduce the loss of body heat from your head. ■ Move into warm locations during breaks; limit the amount of time outside. ■ Carry extra socks, gloves, hats, jacket, blankets, a change of clothes and a thermos of hot liquid. ■Include chemical hot packs in your first aid kit. ■ Avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/outdoor/ DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-115 Telephone: 1-800-CDC-INFO TTY:…
[4] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guide
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# Select the appropriate protection: <table><tr><th>If work activities involve</th><th>Then use</th></tr><tr><td> carrying or handling materials which could be dropped - packages - objects - parts - heavy tools • other activities where objects might fall onto the feet</td><td>safety shoes/boots with impact protection - steel-toed safety shoes</td></tr><tr><td> skid trucks (manual material handling carts) working around bulk rolls (such as paper rolls) • working around heavy pipes (could potentially roll over employees' feet</td><td>safety shoes/boots with compression protection -steel-toed safety shoes</td></tr><tr><td>• working in areas where sharp objects could be stepped on - nails, tacks, screws - wire - large staples - scrap metal parts</td><td>safety shoes/boots with puncture protection - puncture-resistant soles</td></tr><tr><td>• working on tops of logs</td><td>caulk or other non-slip footwear</td></tr><tr><td> (in construction) working around materials which could - burn, scald - cut - penetrate/puncture</td><td>safety shoes/boots with leather or equivalent firm material (Note: leather provides poor absorption protection.)</td></tr><tr><td>• exposure to hot substances or dangerous chemical spills</td><td>leggings or high boots of leather, rubber, or other suitable material</td></tr></table> ## Some Types of protective foot/leg equipment: <table><tr><th>Type</th><th>Hazard Protection</th><th>Description</th></tr><tr><td>Steel-reinforced Safety Shoes</td><td>protect feet from common machinery hazards: falling objects rolling objects • cuts • punctures</td><td>entire toe box and insole reinforced with steel instep protected by steel, aluminum, or plastic may be designed to insulate against temperature extremes may be equipped with special soles to guard against slip, chemicals, heat, and/or electrical hazards.</td></tr><tr><td>Safety Boots</td><td>more protection from splash or spark hazards or electrical hazards than shoes: chemicals - corrosives, caus…
[5] MNOSHA Directive | Enforcement Guidelines for Outdoor Exposure to Heat Stress
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# Subject: Enforcement Guidelines for Outdoor Exposure to Heat Stress (cont.) ## Background (cont.) MNOSHA Instruction STD 1-4.2A March 1, 2021 The State of Washington has an outdoor heat exposure standard which applies from May 1 through September 30. Drinking water must be available in an amount not less than one quart per employee per hour. Training is required. According to the California OSHA standard, water must be available as close as practicable to the areas where employees are working at least one quart per employee per hour (when not plumbed). Shade must be provided when the temperature exceeds 80 degrees F and employees allowed to take a rest in the shade. When temperatures exceed 95 degrees F, further procedures must be implemented to monitor employees for signs or symptoms of heat illness, including a buddy system. Training and acclimatization is also included in the Cal/OSHA standard. ## Action ## A. Inspection Guidelines 1. OSHIS shall evaluate the working conditions for possible heat exposure hazards. 2. The questionnaire in Appendix B of this directive may be used as a guide to assess the conditions and precautions taken by the employer. ## B. Citation Guidelines - A violation of the general duty clause may exist in these conditions when workers have been working outdoors and their employer is aware of heat-related dangers but has not taken action to provide workers with, at a minimum, water, rest, and shade. To establish the evidence necessary to cite a general duty clause violation, the following information should be documented. - NOTE: These examples represent some types of evidence that could establish each of the factors; they are not the only types that would satisfy OSHA's burden): 1. The employer failed to keep the workplace free of a hazard to which its employees were exposed: a. Workers were exposed to a heat index (HI) at or above the Danger zone (see Heat Index chart in Appendix A of this directive) b. Workers were …
[6] MIOSHA Fact Sheet: Heat Stress
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# Before Heat Exposure (cont.) ## During Heat Exposure (cont.) Page 2 Heat Stress 7. Monitor those around you frequently for the early signs and symptoms of heat stress. Get anyone who is showing signs of heat illness to a shaded, cool, and well-ventilated area. 8. Consider Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) use. Wearing certain types of PPE can increase core body temperature and should be monitored. Additionally, personal cooling systems (e.g., water- cooled garments and air-cooled garments) can greatly reduce core body temperature. 9. During breaks, remove PPE and loosen or remove clothing. Also, while rehydrating, use cold packs, wet towels, wearable personal cooling systems, and other cooling methods to reduce body core temperature and allow for a more rapid recovery. ## Do Not: 1. DO NOT exercise or work for more than brief periods; either in direct sunlight or outdoors between the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., unless necessary. 2. DO NOT drink just plain water in large volumes before or after intense or prolonged bouts of exercise, or if you have been sweating heavily. 3. DO NOT depend on salt tablets to replace the body electrolytes you have lost during sweating. 4. DO NOT persist in exercising or being exposed to heat if you develop any of the early warning signs of heat stress. 5. DO NOT drink alcoholic or high sugar beverages before, during, or immediately after heat stress. 6. DO NOT drive or operate machinery if you have any of the signs and symptoms of heat stress. ## After a Heat Exposure • Remove or loosen clothing and either rest in a cool, well-ventilated area, or shower with tepid or cool (not cold) water. • Drink SMALL amounts of electrolyte replacement fluids frequently during the next hour or so. - Seek medical help if you feel dizzy, faint or nauseated after you have cooled down, or if you develop muscle cramps within 24 hours of being heat exposed. ## Emergency Measures When a person shows signs of heat stress, ta…
[7] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Checklist
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# Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Checklist <table><tr><th>General PPE Requirements</th><th>Yes</th><th>No</th><th>Comments</th></tr><tr><td>1. Has a hazard assessment to identify and control physical and health hazards been completed? If not, perform a hazard assessment.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2. Have engineering and/or administrative controls been applied prior to the use of PPE? If not, apply them first if applicable and appropriate.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3. Has appropriate PPE that matches the hazard been identified and provided to employees for use?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>4. Has the effectiveness of the PPE program been reviewed, updated and evaluated periodically?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>5. Have employees been trained on the use and care of the PPE?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>6. Have employees been trained on the limitations of the PPE?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>7. Is the PPE training documented and kept on file?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>8. Are supervisors enforcing the use of required PPE?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>9. Is PPE inspected regularly and properly maintained?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>10. Is worn and damaged PPE removed from service and replaced?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>11. When the following type of PPE is necessary, is the employer providing and paying for the PPE as stated by the OSHA standard 1910.132? Metatarsal foot protection - Rubber boots with steel toes Non-specialty-toe footwear (i.e. steel toe shoes/boots) if the employer does not permit it to be worn off the job site Non-prescriptive eye protection Prescriptive eyewear inserts/lenses for full face respirators Goggles and face shields Firefighting PPE (i.e. helmet, boots, gloves, full gear, proximity suits, etc.) Hard hats Hearing protection Welding PPE</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></t…
[8] Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold
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# Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold (cont.) ## Snow accumulation, ice, high winds, and melting snow (cont.) Poor driving - conditions due to lack of visibility, and snow-covered or icy roads - Increased risk of slips, trips and falls as a result of snow-covered walkways or icy surfaces - Increased risk of flooding due to melting snow - Injuries and incidents from falling snow and ice off outdoor elevated areas (e.g., roofs) - Increased risks associated with high winds - Power failures and equipment malfunctions For more information on preparing for extreme winter weather, please see our OSH Answers document on Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Preparing for Climate Related Emergencies. ## Mental Health Cold temperatures may cause elevated levels of stress. For example, outdoor workers may experience stress when they need to change their schedules and hours due to the weather, which can impact their work-life balance. Many workplaces may experience disruptions and delays with operations, which can also impact workload and cause worker stress. ## Operational Impacts Equipment and materials, especially those items used outside, can be impacted by colder temperatures. Cold temperatures can cause equipment components to not function properly, to work harder, and possibly wear out faster. For example, the controls may be frozen and not allow for the safe operation of the equipment. In cold weather, batteries do not operate as efficiently, which can also lead to not being able to start or maintain the power of the equipment. Extreme cold, heavy snowfall, high winds, and ice can also delay and disrupt operations. ## How can a workplace plan for extreme cold? The onset of extreme weather can occur very quickly in the winter, and workplaces need to be prepared. Control measures for working in the cold must be implemented to protect workers during variable Canadian winter weather. First, identify all the potential hazards associated with extreme cold …
[9] Toolbox Talk: Cold-Related Hazards & Controls
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# COLD-RELATED HAZARDS & CONTROLS °C °F 50 20 40 100 30 80 20 60 10 40 07 20 10 20 0 307 20 Date Posted: 03/11/2024 According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), workers exposed to extreme cold or working in cold environments may be at risk of cold stress. Severe cold weather is a dangerous situation that can bring on health emergencies for workers without adequate shelter, workers who are continuously or often outdoors, and those who work in an area that is poorly insulated or without heat. In regions relatively unaccustomed to winter weather, near-freezing temperatures are considered factors that can bring on the symptoms of cold stress. Whenever temperatures drop decidedly below average, and as wind speed increases, heat can more rapidly leave your body. ## WHAT IS COLD STRESS? Cold stress is the condition that occurs when the body can no longer maintain its normal temperature. When left untreated, cold stress can result in injuries, leading to permanent damage or even death. Several serious cold-related illnesses may occur when exposed to cold temperatures without proper clothing or PPE. Common cold stress injuries include trench foot, hypothermia, and frostbite. ## COLD STRESS RISK FACTORS In a cold environment, most of the body's energy is focused on maintaining the body's internal core temperature at a safe level. When the body is exposed to cold temperatures for a long period of time, the body will begin to pull blood flow from the extremities (hands, feet, arms, and legs) to the core (chest and abdomen). This allows the skin and the extremities to cool and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Cool temperatures and a wet environment (such as fall and winter in Western Washington) are a recipe for hypothermia and trench foot. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), some of the risk factors that contribute to cold stress are: • Wetness/dampness in the work environment - Dr…
[10] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guide
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# Option 1 ## HANDS/ARMS Work activities, such as: [ ] baking [ ] material handling [ ] cooking [ ] sanding [ ] grinding [ ] sawing [ ] welding [ ] hammering [ ] working with glass [ ] using computers [ ] using knives [ ] dental and health care services [ ] other: <empty> Work-related exposure to: [ ] blood [ ] irritating chemicals [ ] tools or materials that could scrape, bruise, or cut [ ] extreme heat/cold [ ] other: <empty> Can hazard be eliminated without the use of PPE? Yes [ ] No [ ] If no, use: [ ] Gloves [ ] Chemical resistance [ ] Liquid/leak resistance [ ] Temperature resistance [ ] Abrasion/cut resistance [ ] Slip resistance [ ] Protective sleeves [ ] Other: <empty> FEET/LEGS Work activities, such as: [ ] building maintenance [ ] construction [ ] demolition [ ] food processing [ ] foundry work [ ] logging [ ] plumbing [ ] trenching [ ] use of highly flammable materials [ ] welding [ ] other: <empty> Work-related exposure to: [ ] explosive atmospheres [ ] explosives [ ] exposed electrical wiring or components [ ] heavy equipment [ ] slippery surfaces [ ] tools [ ] other: <empty> Can hazard be eliminated without the use of PPE? Yes [ ] No [ ] If no, use: [ ] Safety shoes or boots [ ] Toe protection [ ] Metatarsal protection [ ] Electrical protection [ ] Heat/cold protection [ ] Puncture resistance [ ] Chemical resistance [ ] Leggings or chaps [ ] Foot-Leg guards [ ] Other: <empty> BODY/SKIN Work activities such as: [ ] baking or frying [ ] battery charging [ ] dip tank operations [ ] fiberglass installation [ ] irritating chemicals [ ] sawing [ ] other: <empty> Work-related exposure to: [ ] chemical splashes [ ] extreme heat/cold [ ] sharp or rough edges [ ] other: <empty> Can hazard be eliminated without the use of PPE? Yes [ ] No [ ] If no, use: [ ] Vest, Jacket [ ] Coveralls, Body suit [ ] Raingear [ ] Apron [ ] Welding leathers [ ] Abrasion/cut resistance [ ] Other: <empty> 19
[11] 3M Technical Bulletin: Personal Protective Equipment and Residential Wildland Fire Cleanup
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# Technical Data Bulletin #182–Personal Protective Equipment and Residential Wildland Fire Cleanup 2040 page 2 of 4 • Inhalation of various nuisance dusts, paint/adhesive vapors, etc. throughout the reconstruction. • Operation of carbon-monoxide producing equipment (e.g., pumps, generators, pressure washers) in confined or poorly ventilated areas. • Electrical hazards due to work around downed power lines and overhead power lines. • Ergonomic hazards resulting from the stress/strain/injury to hands, back, shoulders, and knees. • Engulfment hazards in open excavation, trenches, and pits. • Heat stress and cold stress due to work outdoors. • Fall hazards due to working at elevated heights. • Slip, trip and fall hazards due to work around unstable structures, wet and slippery surfaces, uneven terrain and steep grades. ## Types of PPE Preventative measures to address recognized hazards include both safe work practices and proper use of PPE. Safe work practices are typically designed to change worker behaviors and lessen the probability of a hazardous occurrence. The following describes the types of PPE that are available and their application to wildland fire cleanup. ## Eye, head and face protection are intended to help reduce the risk of traumatic injury due to airborne dusts and falling or flying debris. Eye and face protection may include safety glasses, goggles and face shields. Use of safety glasses with side shields should be considered minimum protection at all cleanup sites. Unvented or indirectly vented safety goggles may be used for dusty environments or situations where splashing may occur. Many are available for use with prescription eyewear. In all cases, select only protective eyewear that has the ANSI Z87 mark on the lens or frame. Face shields must be used in conjunction with safety glasses or goggles. Some full-facepiece respirators provide eye protection. Protective helmets (sometimes referred to as "hard hats") are classified …
[12] MNOSHA Directive | Enforcement Guidelines for Outdoor Exposure to Heat Stress
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# Subject: Enforcement Guidelines for Outdoor Exposure to Heat Stress (cont.) ## B. Citation Guidelines (cont.) MNOSHA Instruction STD 1-4.2A March 1, 2021 a. NOAA issued heat advisory because of a Heat Index (HI) at or above the Danger zone (see Heat Index chart in Appendix A of this directive) and the employer should have been aware of the advisory b. Employees made complaints regarding heat c. Employees showed signs or symptoms of heat exposure d. Employer indicated that it was aware of the heat hazard (e.g., by providing water but not rest and shade) e. The employer's industry has issued guidance about heat hazards 3. The hazard was causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm: a. Heat exhaustion b. Heat Stroke c. Fatality 4. There was a feasible and useful method to correct the hazard: a. Providing workers with immediate access to water, rest, and shade, and showing them to use that relief b. Implementing an acclimatization program for new employees and those returning from extended time away (e.g., vacation) c. Implementing a work/rest schedule d. Providing a climate-controlled area to cool down. If all four factors for a general duty clause violation are not present, a Hazard Alert Letter (see sample in Appendix C of this directive) shall be issued to the employer as soon as possible. The Hazard Alert Letter shall recommend specific steps the employer can take to protect workers from the heat hazard. James Krueger, Director MNOSHA Compliance For the OSHA Management Team Distribution: OSHA Compliance and WSC Director NOTICE: Minnesota OSHA Directives are used exclusively by MNOSHA personnel to assist in the administration of the OSHA program and in the proper interpretation and application of occupational safety and health statutes, regulations, and standards. They are not legally binding declarations and they are subject to revision or deletion at any time without notice. Page 3 of 9
[13] Warm Weather Safety Tips
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Open source documentSource excerpt
WORK SAFE KENTUCKY Free safety resources provided by KEMI HOME SAFETY RESOURCES SAFETY TRAINING SAFETY BLOG ABOUT KEMI CONTACT US O # Warm Weather Safety Tips ## Print a Sign-In Sheet | Spanish Version Coming Soon Hot summer months present a variety of hazards for outdoor workers, including heat stress, damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays, and dangerous insects. Hazards can be minimized by following safe work practices. ## Sun Sunlight contains UV radiation, which causes premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer. Be especially careful in the sun if you burn easily, spend a lot of time outdoors, or have any of the following physical features: numerous, irregular, or large moles; freckles; fair skin; or blond, red, or light brown hair. • Cover up. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. • Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Be sure to follow application directions on the bottle or tube. • Wear a hat. A wide-brimmed hat, not a baseball cap, works better because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. • Wear UV-absorbent sunglasses for eye protection. Sunglasses don't have to be expensive, but they should block 99%-100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Before you buy sunglasses, read the product tag or label. • Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac have poisonous sap (urushiol) in their roots, stems, leaves, and fruits. The urushiol may be deposited on the skin by direct contact with the plant or by contact with contaminated objects, such as ## Heat The combination of heat and humidity can be a serious health threat during the summer months. If you work outside or in a kitchen, laundry, or bakery, you may be at increased risk for heat-related illness. • Start hydrating several hours prior to work or the evening before. • Drink small amounts of water or sports drink frequently throughout the day. • Wear li…
[14] Heat Stress
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# Heat Stress (cont.) DEPARTMENT US VIRGIN ISLANDS 8" of LABOR VIDOSH 70% -100° 60% 95 50% 90° 40%- 85" 30% 80 C Lidity mpora # Heat Stress PPE decreases worker performance as compared to an unequipped individual. The magnitude of this effect varies considerably, depending on both the individual and the PPE ensemble used. This section discusses the demonstrated physiological responses to PPE, the individual human characteristics that play a factor in these responses, and some of the precautionary and training measures that need to be taken to avoid PPE-induced injury. The physiological factors that may affect worker ability to function using PPE include: • Physical condition. • Level of acclimatization. • Age. • Gender. • Weight. Heat rash may result from continuous exposure to heat or humid air. Heat cramps are caused by heavy sweating with inadequate electrolyte replacement. Signs and symptoms include: Vil • Muscle spasms, and • Pain in the hands, feet, and abdomen. Heat exhaustion occurs from increased stress on various body organs including inadequate blood circulation due to cardiovascular insufficiency or dehydration. Signs and symptoms include: - Pale, cool, moist skin • Heavy sweating - Dizziness • Nausea • Fainting
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