Springtime Safety

Springtime brings warmer weather, which means many people will be spending more time outside. This may include grilling, planting gardens, or other spring-related outdoor activities. However, there are various safety tips to keep in mind when working outside to stay safe and protected from potential hazards. Keep the following suggestions in mind to have a safe and enjoyable spring season:

• Check the weather prior to leaving the house.
  This way, you can be prepared for elevated or lowered temperatures, or the possibility of a heavy storm. Also, you can plan your clothing choices based on the weather for comfort and practicality and pack any necessary items, such as an umbrella or raincoat.
• Apply sunscreen prior to going outside.
  Using sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging when applied regularly. It’s a good idea to always have sunscreen handy as the weather gets warmer and more time is spent outside in the sun. Wearing a hat and long-sleeved shirts can also help prevent sunburn.
• Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly.
  Having functional windshield wipers on your vehicle is a smart way to aid in visibility, especially in the case of spring showers or storms.
• Stay hydrated.
  It’s important to drink plenty, especially when spending more time outdoors and in the sun. Carrying a bottle of water with you when leaving the house can help you stay hydrated, especially on hot days. In addition, seek shade and take rest breaks when performing work outdoors in the sun to avoid heat exhaustion.
• Be wary of wet, slippery surfaces.
  Stairs, ladders, and even flat surfaces can be slippery after getting wet from rain showers or the use of a hose. It’s important to be cautious when dealing with slippery surfaces to avoid falling and injury.
• Practice safe spring cleaning.
  Make sure to read the labels of cleaning products and avoid mixing cleaning and/or disinfecting products that may produce fumes. In addition, it’s important to have ventilation in areas where you are cleaning with chemicals. Proper safety equipment, such as gloves and a mask, may also prevent irritation from cleaning chemicals.