Outdoor work can be brutal, even in mild weather. A great number of people spend some or nearly all their time working outdoors year-round or seasonally. Examples include those who work at:
- Construction sites
- Farms and farm stands
- Forests and parklands
- Gardens and landscaping sites
- Marinas and campgrounds
- Big box stores stocking outdoor supplies
There are some hazards that each of these workers is likely to encounter. These include exposure to the elements including sun, humidity, and elevated temperatures. Outdoor workers can also be exposed to other naturally occurring hazards such as dangerous bugs such as wasps and ticks and dangerous plants such as poison ivy and poison oak.
Workers who are injured while performing their job outdoors are protected by the state’s workers’ compensation program.
Dealing with the Natural Environment
Outdoor workers have no choice but to be exposed to the elements and naturally occurring hazards. However, when made aware of appropriate protective equipment and actions, they can be ready to deal with the exposure and minimize any negative effects. It is also important to know basic first aid as well as recognize signs that it is best to seek medical attention.
Plants such as poison ivy contain a compound called urushiol, which is allergenic to most people. This means exposure to it promotes an uncomfortable immune response in the form of blistering rashes. Being able to recognize poisonous plants and wearing protective clothing such as gloves and boots to prevent contact can protect against having any serious reaction. If exposed, washing the skin immediately with warm water and a detergent, rubbing alcohol, or a commercial product such as Zanfel can minimize a reaction. Topical application of Caladryl lotion can help dry blisters and reduce itchiness.
Stinging insects such as wasps cannot be avoided. Yet, there are precautions that can minimize the risk of getting stung. It is important to understand what attracts wasps and how they react in different situations. Wasps are attracted to the scent of meat and flesh; and the scent of flowers and similarly scented cologne, perfume, and scented soaps. Wasps are social, and they will react in a group if their hive is disrupted. Avoid destroying or getting too near wasp nests. Wasps also perceive quick motions as threats and can be provoked into stinging. Unlike bees, which die after a single sting, a wasp can sting repeatedly. Accordingly, if a wasp lands on or near, it is best to leave it alone or slowly brush it away with a piece of paper. Applying vinegar to a bite helps neutralize wasp venom. Some people are allergic to wasp venom and could require an epinephrine shot to address severe reactions. Tightness in the chest, swollen tongue, and difficulty swallowing are all signs of a serious allergic reaction and should be addressed immediately.
Some bugs are carriers of serious diseases. Certain black-legged ticks can infect a person with Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection. Wearing protective clothing and insect repellant containing DEET can help reduce the risk of getting bit and infected. An early sign of a bite from an infected tick is a bullseye around the bite. Not all bites display the bullseye. Symptoms such as fatigue and flu-like symptoms and/or joint pain are common and may appear within three to 30 days after exposure. Timely treatment with antibiotics is usually effective and can prevent the disease from becoming a chronic condition that can cause joint and heart damage.
Avoiding Overexposure to the Sun
Exposing unprotected skin to the sun is unwise and dangerous. Although a certain amount of exposure is healthy and provides vitamin D, overexposure to the sun can cause serious short- and long-term effects. The ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is a form of radiation that penetrates the skin and eyes. UV light can cause superficial first- and second-degree burns and can also damage cellular DNA. UV light is known to cause skin cancer.
Protecting skin from damaging UV light requires clothing, brimmed hats, and adequate amounts of SPF 15 or greater sunscreen. For continued effectiveness, sunscreen must be reapplied every few hours. UV light can also damage the eyes. Eyes should be protected from UV light by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses.
The combination of radiant heat from the sun with high temperatures can cause various heat stress conditions. The risk is much higher when workers are performing strenuous physical labor and when there is high humidity. It is important to acclimate to the hot weather by gradually working up to all-day outdoor labor. If that is not possible, frequent breaks to a shaded and cooler location and drinking plenty of water are helpful.
Dehydration is a main factor in heat stress. Drinking plenty of water and supplementing with salt and/or an electrolyte solution will help avoid heat stress conditions. Avoid very sweet drinks or alcoholic beverages that cause dehydration. Symptoms of heat stress can include feeling weak, dizzy, nauseous, confused, and/or having a headache. Someone with heat exhaustion may experience leg cramping and have skin that is bluish and clammy. These symptoms should be addressed immediately by stopping any strenuous activity, getting out of the sun, and drinking water.
A life-threatening form of heat stress is heat stroke, in which the body loses the ability to regulate its temperature. Heat stroke can happen if signs of heat exhaustion are ignored. Signs of heat stroke can include a throbbing headache and skin that is red and dry. First aid to reduce body temperature using cool water spray and/or wet towels should be used to bring down body temperature. Immediate medical attention is required to avoid brain damage from heat stroke.
Chemical Exposure and Pesticides
Outdoor workers must sometimes handle toxic chemicals. For example, workers at pools typically need to use harsh chemicals to keep the water safe for swimming. Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) provide important information on safe handling of chemicals. Employers are required to provide training, access to MSDSs, and proper personal protective equipment to employees who handle chemicals in the workplace.
Workers in landscaping, farming and similar workplaces may be exposed to pesticides. Most states regulate commercial application of pesticides and require applicators be properly trained and credentialed. Exposure to pesticides can be extremely hazardous. If they contact skin, get inhaled, or accidentally ingested, they can cause acute harm and long-term exposure can cause liver and other diseases. See the following link for safety requirements for workers in New Jersey who must apply pesticides: NJDEP-Compliance and Enforcement – Commercial Pesticide Applicator
Different classes of pesticides produce different symptoms. They can include dizziness, nausea, and headache. Signs of acute poisoning can include an elevated heart rate and convulsions, and if left untreated can result in coma and death. Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides are particularly dangerous. They act to impair the nervous system and cause uncontrolled flow of nerve transmission between cells. If an overexposure to pesticides occurs, contact the National Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 with the name of the pesticide for instructions on how to respond.
Equipment-Related Mishaps
Outdoor work such as landscaping involves using equipment such as lawn mowers, weed wackers, and other tools. Proper safety protocols should be in pace to ensure workers are familiar with proper use, care, and maintenance.
Camden County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Pietras, Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP, Help Injured Workers Recover
Outdoor work can be dangerous, and getting injured or ill can result in missed work and expensive medical costs. Even if you are a part-time or seasonal worker, you are still entitled to certain legal protections such as workers’ compensation if you get injured or become ill on the job. The Camden County workers’ compensation lawyers at Pietras, Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP, can help explain the law and how to get compensation. Call us today at 856-761-3773 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we serve clients in Camden, Cinnaminson, Delran, Maple Shade, Pennsauken, and throughout South Jersey.
