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HOW TO PLAY IT SAFE WHILE WORKING IN THE FIELD
PRESENTED BY :NELSON DURANTHARRIS COUNTY
Why discuss safety?
You need to be knowledgeable about certain hazards you may encounter on your job.
Having knowledge of safety related issues is important for both you and your employer.
Safety is mostly common sense but we All can become complacent in regards to safety.
Your Safety is YOUR responsibility ! Use what you have learned and put safety into action.
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What are the most common safety issues?
Temperature related issues Strains to muscles / joints Slips, trips, and falls Bites Irate persons Bio/Chemical hazards Driving issues and many more!
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Temperature Related
Stress
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What is it? How does your body cool itself? What happens if it can no longer do this? If your body overheats & dehydration occurs,
what happens next? What are the degrees of heat stress?
Heat RashHeat CrampsHeat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
5Heat Stress
Four Stages of Heat Stress
Heat Rash: Is aka “prickly heat”, red rash or blisters, non-life threatening.
Heat Cramps: Have severe cramps in limbs and stomach, not life threatening but painful, may not occur while working.
Heat Exhaustion: Is serious, occurs when the body’s cooling system is overworked but not shut down. Seek medical assistance. Do not let it progress into Heat Stroke.
Heat Stroke: Is extremely serious, can be fatal, body’s
system can no longer cool itself, depleted of water
and minerals, and is shutting down. Get medical assistance ASAP.
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Frostbite: Damage to the skin that is manifested in 2 ways. Superficial frostbite – where the outer layer of the skin is frozen.
Affected tissue must be protected from further exposure. Slowly warm up the tissue without rubbing it.
Deep Frostbite – involves freezing of the tissue underneath the outer skin More severe than superficial Requires medical assistance for treatment Protect from further exposure and DO NOT ATTEMPT TO THAW AFFECTED TISSUE!
Hypothermia: The body’s core temperature drops and reduces circulation to the extremities in an attempt to conserve heat. Signs:
Confusion and slurred difficult speech Sleepiness and an intoxicated appearance Loss of manual dexterity
7Cold Stress
Ways to prevent temperature related injuries & illnesses
Acclimate yourself to your environment WATER - REST - SHADE Eat and drink wisely Replenish your fluids but do not shock your system with cold
liquids. No Energy or Caffeinated Drinks. Think Water ! Wear light/moisture-wicking clothing and hats in the summer
and dress in layers during colder months Ask your doctor if the medications you take can have side
effects if you work in high heat areas Perform heavy labor activities in the early morning or
evening when possible
Go to www.cdc.gov or www.osha.gov for additional information
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MUSCLE STRAINS
SLIPS TRIPS & FALLS
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Proper Lifting Techniques
Know the weight of what you are lifting Avoid lifting from the ground or above the
shoulders Lift slowly and do not use a jerking motion Do not twist while lifting Keep the load close to you and secure your
footing Carry in “the zone” Try to avoid carrying the load more than 10 feet Use mechanical assistance if necessary
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There can be many ways you can slip, trip, or fall in the field Uneven/rough terrain Traction on high/wet grass and dirt Falls into trenches Tripping over tools and equipment Weight distribution when carrying items Safety glasses, shoes, etc. Office dangers – cords, clutter, etc.
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Slips, Trips, and Falls
Using proper lifting techniques and a back brace Asking for mechanical means or asking for assistance when
lifting heavy objects Scoping out your job site before you start working Make sure area is safe after digging – loose soil can be
dangerous Make sure your area is free of trip hazards Immediately clean up any spill Avoid repetitive motion Make sure your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is
properly fitted (and that you wear it!)
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Avoid these situations by……
ANIMAL BITES
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Dog Bites
Not all dog owners are responsible Many dogs are trained to protect Even a small dog can attack Dogs on a chain are more likely to be aggressive Report any stray or aggressive animal Each year in the United States
4.7 million persons receive bites 800,000 receive medical attention 360,000 receive extended treatment 16 are fatally wounded
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If approached by a dog on a job site: Ask the owner to restrain Do not make direct eye contact or smile Remain motionless and stand with your side to the dog Do not run or scream – they sense fear Back away slowly if the dog retreats or loses interest Use a “block” if necessary (Stick, plastic pole, leg, etc) If knocked over, roll into a ball and lie still Do not startle a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for
puppies If attacked, seek medical attention & immediately report the
animal
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Preventing dog bites
Texas Department of State Health Services: Annually, 7,000 persons are bitten by venomous
snakes in the US Only 0.2% venomous snake bites result in death On average, 1 – 2 people in Texas die each year Roughly half of all venomous bites are “dry”
Venomous snakes in Texas: Pit Vipers: cottonmouth, copperhead, rattlesnakeand Texas Coral Snakes
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Snake Bites
Many snakes are shy and non-confrontational If surprised or threatened – they will attack If left undisturbed – they will leave or not strike
Stand very still and do not make loud noises If you have stepped close to it and not been
struck – leave your foot there – do not move Do not provoke or throw rocks at it If you are in an area prone to snakes – wear
protective footwear and do not move large rocks or fallen trees
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How to prevent snake bites
Determine if the snake is venomous Keep calm and seek medical attention as soon as
possible Apply first aid:
Lay or sit with the bite area below your heart level Wash the area with soap and water Cover with a clean dry cloth
Do not: Pick up the snake or try to trap it Wait for symptoms to appear Apply a tourniquet, apply ice, or immerse in water Cut the wound and suck the venom out Drink alcohol as a painkiller or drink caffeinated beverages
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I’ve been bitten! What now?
IRATE HUMANS
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Let’s face it, not everybody is happy camper
Reasons you are there: Installation Repair Inspection Complaint
Do Not: Get angry in return Insult them Ask them to calm down Show empathy- put yourself in their shoes Make promises you cannot keep Engage in verbal abuse or physical activity with them
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You can try to make them a happy camper, but….
Do: Remain calm and composed Acknowledge their anger Only state facts – have information written down Place yourself in a path you can escape if necessary Protect yourself if necessary Realize it is not personal
Do Not Remain On-site If You Feel Threatened!
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Biological and
Chemical EXPOSURE
S
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The Center to Protect Workers Rights (CPWR) Sewage and wastewater contain bacteria, funguses,
parasites, and viruses that can cause intestinal, lung, and other infections.
Following careful work habits (equipment, work practices, and PPE) can prevent these from getting into your system Absorption Inhalation Ingestion Injection
You can be exposed during any part of inspection, treatment, transport, or application of sewage sludge
23Biological Hazards
Chemical Hazards
Reactive: Chlorine tablets (Hypochlorites are very reactive)
Flammable: Solvent , Gasoline, Diesel fuels
If it has not rained in a while and the ground is wet….
Kids (and adults) are finding new ways to make their own toys on the internet….
Never pick up waste or items on the ground! Illegal dumping of household materials
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Protect yourself 25
Training and education Vaccinations up to date: Tetanus and diphtheria Use engineered controls and work practices
PPE: goggles, proper gloves, face shield, water resistant suit Designated areas: handwashing, eating/drinking, clothes change
Make good choices: Keep nails short and use a brush to clean them Cover chapped or open wounds on hands and arms Take a shower as soon as possible Do not wash work clothes with regular clothes Report any injuries, illnesses, or near misses
DRIVING TIPS
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Driving Tips27
Although vehicle fatalities have gone down in recent years because newer cars have better safety features - the number of traffic deaths caused by distracted driving has increased because of the increased use of electronic gadgets.
What is distracted driving? Visual – taking your eyes off of the road Manual – taking your hands off of the wheel Mental – taking your mind off of driving
Avoid distracted driving by……
Keeping your head in the game Getting your frustrations out before you get in your
vehicle Making a plan before you leave Making only emergency phone calls, having a
hands-free phone, or pulling over to the shoulder Never text, check e-mails, or play games while
driving Never eat, drink, or groom while driving
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Other driving tips
Look twice before leaving an intersection or green light Check your mirrors and adjust your seat every time
someone else has driven your vehicle Make sure you can reach the pedals comfortably Lock your doors and hide your valuables Be aware of your surroundings when you stop at a
traffic light Do not drive if sleepy Carry all necessary paperwork in the event of an
accident If you become ill – call for help ASAP!
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Nelson Durant
Phone: 713.956.3005
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The best way to treat an injury is to prevent it from happening in the first place!!!!
