How to Play It safe while working in the field Presented by : Nelson Durant Harris County

1. How to Play It safe while working in the fieldPresented by :Nelson DurantHarris County

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. Temperature Related Stress

5. Heat Stress • 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 Rash Heat Cramps Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke

6. 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.

7. Cold Stress 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

8. 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

9. MUSCLE STRAINSSLIPS TRIPS & FALLS

10. 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

11. Slips, Trips, and Falls 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.

12. Avoid these situations by…… • 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!)

13. ANIMAL BITES

14. 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

15. Preventing dog bites 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

16. Snake 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, rattlesnake and Texas Coral Snakes

17. How to prevent 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

18. I’ve been bitten! What now? • 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

19. IRATE HUMANS

20. 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

21. 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!

22. Biological and Chemical EXPOSURES

23. Biological Hazards • 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

24. 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

25. Protect yourself • 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

26. DRIVING TIPS

27. Driving Tips • 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

28. 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

29. 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!

30. The best way to treat an injury is to prevent it from happening in the first place!!!! Nelson DurantPhone: 713.956.3005nelson.durant@hcpid.org