July 15, 2014
Here are a few reminders for those who work outdoors:
You probably know that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer. What are you doing to protect yourself? Four reminders:
July is typically the hottest month in Oregon and also the month when workers file the most claims each year for heat-related illnesses. Heat-relief tips for workers:
In Oregon, poison oak grows primarily in the western part of the state alongside roads, in uncultivated fields, in wood lots, and in recreation areas. The plant can be a shrub from three to 10 feet high or a woody vine that clings to trees and other shrubs. The leaves look like oak leaves in groups of three on a common stem.
Poison oak emits urushiol, a poisonous and oily irritant. The oil chemically locks on to skin proteins within 20 minutes after exposure to any part of the plant - stem, roots, branches, or leaves. Contaminated clothes, pets, and tools can also transfer the oil to humans. The result? Rash; itching; swelling; reddish, inflamed, and tiny pimples; and blisters that, if left untreated, can last up to five weeks.
As soon as you know you are exposed, thoroughly wash the exposed skin with soap and lots of cold water, followed by rubbing alcohol or a solution of water and alcohol in equal proportions to remove unabsorbed urushiol. Don't bathe to remove urushiol because you will contaminate more of your body. Wash contaminated clothing separately. Never burn poison oak; burning transports the oil on smoke particles, which cause severe reparatory irritation.
Unless you really annoy bees or wasps, they probably will not sting you. If you don't want their company, avoid wearing perfume, cologne, or brightly colored or patterned clothing. If you see bees flying to and from a particular place, stay away. If you disturb their nest, they will defend it vigorously. You can also irritate yellow jackets (the common name in North America for predatory wasps) when you try to swat them away from food; in the late summer and fall, they become particularly aggressive as their food sources become scarce.
If you are stung, you will feel an immediate sharp pain for a few minutes that becomes a dull ache. Your body responds by liberating fluid from the blood to flush the venom, which causes redness and swelling. Look for a stinger. Honeybees have barbed stingers and if one stings you, the stinger usually stays in the wound. Remove it quickly to reduce the severity of the sting; technique is not that important. Use a cold compress to reduce the pain of a sting.
A small percentage of the population is allergic to bee or wasp stings. Life-threatening reactions include symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, and wheezing, which may begin immediately or up to 30 minutes after a sting. Severe allergic reactions require immediate medical treatment.
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But remember: the information in this newsletter is intended to highlight safe work practices, but it does not replace Oregon OSHA workplace safety and health rules.
For information about Oregon OSHA services and answers to technical questions, call (503) 378-3272 or toll-free within Oregon, (800) 922-2689.