SUMMER SAFETY

Summer is in full swing, and while safe practices in the field, office and home are important year round, let’s take a look at some safety issues apropos to the summer season.

Sun and heat: The cultural emphasis on sports and fitness has given us an awareness of the importance of staying hydrated. It is very critical for those working outdoors to stay hydrated throughout the day. Make room in your survey rig for a big jug of water. Carry a canteen or sports drinks if you are away from the truck for long periods. Don’t fall victim to dehydration or heat exhaustion. Keep a supply of sun block handy – 15 SPF minimum. And remember, you can get burned on an overcast day. I highly recommend wearing a hat with a brim.

Wasps: Anyone who works in the woods knows that yellowjackets often build their nest in the ground. They don’t like it when you walk all over their front door, and they have their own way of communicating their displeasure. If you are allergic, make sure to carry your EpiPen. If you can’t take out the nest, flag it up for the next person who ambles along, or to remind you on your next visit. Deep within a blackberry patch is an area of prime real estate for paper nests. Be aware and careful when brushing.

Poison Oak: Leaves of three, let them be. Poison Oak is usually found east of Cascade Locks and in southern Oregon but will grow in wetter climates in rocky areas where the soil is well drained. The plant’s urushiol oil can be picked up from all parts of the plant. It can be a problem for others if you take the oil back to the truck and spread it on the seat and steering wheel. If you know you will be working in poison oak, you may want to invest in Tyvek jump suits, which can be removed and sealed in a plastic bag at the end of the day, before you jump back into the rig. Five years ago I discovered a product that actually removes the oil and relieves the poison oak rash. It is called Zanfel. It is very expensive, but it works and can prevent misery and lost time at work. More info: http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Poison_Oak

Ticks: In Oregon, ticks are most common east of the Cascades and in the Southern part of the state at lower elevations. Some areas to be especially careful in are Dog Mountain, Catherine Creek, McCall Preserve in the Gorge and along the Rogue River. If you work in these areas, you need to educate yourself on tick prevention, tick inspection and removal and Lyme Disease. You do not want to contract Lyme Disease. If not treated immediately, it can ruin your life. An excellent, scary and informative article about Lyme, published in the Spring 2012 issue of the California Surveyor: http://www.californiasurveyors.org/calsurveyor/CalSurv169.pdf

More info on ticks in Oregon: http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Ticks

Office Safety: Let’s not forget safe practices in the office. A few of the most common office safety issues:

• Using stairs? Use the handrail.
• Got a lot of appliances? Use a power strip, and do not daisy chain them.
• Make sure your fire extinguishers are appropriately placed and labeled.
• Make sure walkways and doorways are free of obstructions. Have an evacuation plan.
• Make sure you have enough people trained in First Aid and CPR.
• And don’t forget that we office people need to stay hydrated, just like our field crews.