Safety in the Summer | Be awake of Snakes!

Outdoor Workers and Sun Exposure

What is the problem?

Too much sunlight is harmful to your skin. A tan is a sign that the skin has been damaged. The damage is caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight.

 

Who is at risk?

If work keeps you outdoors for a long time your skin could be exposed to more sun than is healthy for you. Outdoor workers that could be at risk include farm or construction workers, market gardeners, outdoor activity workers and some public service workers. You should take particular care if you have:

• Fair or freckled skin that does not tan or goes red or burns before it tans.
• Red or fair hair and light-coloured eyes.
• A large number of moles.

People of all skin colours should take care to avoid damage to the eyes, overheating and dehydration.

 

What are the harmful effects?

In the short term, even mild reddening of the skin from sun exposure is a sign of damage. Sunburn can blister the skin and make it peel. Longer term problems can arise. Too much sun speeds up ageing of the skin, making it leathery, mottled, and wrinkled. The most serious effect is an increased chance of developing skin cancer.

 

Identifying Skin Cancer

Dehydration & Sunstroke

Dehydration is a decrease in the body’s water balance. Water is crucial for survival since approximately 75 percent of the human body is water, so dehydration can have severe health consequences. Proper hydration is particularly important in hot weather to help lower the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and sunstroke.

Sunstroke, or heat stroke, occurs when the body loses its ability to cool itself and body temperature rises above 38 degrees Celsius. Certain groups of people including infants, young children, and older adults, as well as those taking certain medications or with certain health conditions, are more prone to these conditions.

 

Signs of Dehydration

Signs and symptoms of dehydration vary depending on how severe the condition becomes. One of the top indicators of hydration levels is the colour of urine: pale or clear urine indicates good hydration levels while darker urine points to dehydration. In addition to darker urine, early symptoms of dehydration may include thirst and decreased urine production. Moderate dehydration may also include the following symptoms:

• Lethargy
• Dry mouth
• Muscle weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache

Severe dehydration may include the above symptoms plus the following:

• Sunken eyes
• Lack of sweating
• Dry, shrivelled skin
• Low blood pressure
• Fever
• Increased heart rate
• Delirium
• Unconsciousness

 

Signs of Sunstroke

Sunstroke shares a number of symptoms in common with dehydration including a headache, sweat changes, increased heart rate, delirium, and unconsciousness. Sunstroke victims may also display the following symptoms:

• Elevated body temperature
• Nausea
• Red skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Mental changes
• Treatment

Treatment of dehydration and sunstroke focuses on reversing the condition that causes the problem. This means increasing fluid levels for dehydration and decreasing temperature for sunstroke.

Treatment for dehydration may include the following:

• Drinking clear fluids including water or isotonic sports drinks.
• Avoiding caffeinated beverages.
• Treatment of underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of dehydration such as diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and diabetes.
• Sit in the shade out of direct sunlight or heat.

 

If someone has heat exhaustion, follow these 5 steps:

• Move them to a cool place.
• Get them to lie down and raise their feet slightly.
• Get them to drink plenty of water. Sports or rehydration drinks are OK.
• Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs around the armpits or neck are good, too.
• Stay with them until they are better.

 

Prevention of Dehydration and Sunstroke

Both dehydration and sunstroke are more common in hot weather. Take steps to help avoid them by following these prevention tips:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Consume foods with a high-water content like fruits and vegetables.
• Minimize activities in extreme heat.
• Avoid being active during the hottest part of the day.
• Replenish fluids after activity or sweating.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Take frequent breaks from activity in hot conditions.
• Avoid sunburn.

Call 999 if You or someone else have any signs of heatstroke:

• Feeling unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place and drinking plenty of water.
• Not sweating even though too hot.
• A temperature of 40C or above.
• Fast breathing or shortness of breath.
• Feeling confused.
• A fit (seizure).
• Loss of consciousness.
• Not responsive.

Heatstroke can be very serious if not treated quickly. Put the person in the recovery position if they lose consciousness while you are waiting for help.

Adders and the Dangers of Snake Bites

Did you know?

Adders are the only venomous snake native to Great Britain. They are extremely widespread and can be found on some of our construction sites.
They are unlikely to bite unless they are alarmed or disturbed; bites can be painful but are rarely fatal.
Adders are protected by law from being killed or injured.

What is the danger?

Only 10 cases of human death from an adder bite have been recorded in the last 100 years. However, although an adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult human, the bite is very painful and requires urgent medical attention. Bites appear to happen when adders are surprised and they don’t have time to retreat.

 

How do I recognise an adder?

A stocky snake, the adder is easily identified by the dark zigzag line passing along the back bordered by rows of spots.
The adder is typically active during the day when it hunts, mainly for small mammals.
The adder hibernates in winter, typically from September/October to March.

What are the symptoms of a bite?

• Pain, redness and swelling in the area of the bite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and fainting

If you have any of these symptoms, seek urgent medical attention.

 

If you see an adder, stop work and report it to a supervisor.

The adder should be left to move of its own accord.

Any harm or injury that does occur to an adders must be reported.

In the event of being bitten by an adder, seek immediate professional medical help.

Do not Injure or harm the snake in any way – this is illegal.

Handle adders – if this is necessary leave it to trained professionals.