With springtime already underway and warmer weather on the horizon, it’s important to stay hydrated and cool as well as vigilant against insect bites and allergies. Use the tips below from the ReMA Safety Team to ensure that when you engage in spring activities, you do so safely or not at all.
General Tips
Before venturing outside in spring, be sure to:
- Regularly Check the temperature and forecast as the weather can change rapidly in the springtime. Acclimate where necessary, due to temp changes
- Dress in appropriate layers for the weather.
- Apply sunscreen to protect your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that everyone use sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays), SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance.
- Watch out for wet floors and slippery conditions from rain, melting snow, or other issues. Wear appropriate footwear
- Check tire pressure on vehicles, the flux in temperature can bring tire pressure down.
Insects
Insects can become a problem in the springtime, especially for individuals who are allergic to insect bites. The most common stinging insects are bees, wasps, hornets, yellow-jackets, and fire ants.
Although companies can’t ask their employees about their medical conditions, ReMA recommends informing employees that are working outdoors or in certain environments of the potential for insect stings, and for employees to keep allergy and itch relief medicine on site.
Another best practice for individuals who may not want to divulge their medical conditions, like severe allergies, is to put a piece of tape with the information into their hard hats so that if something happens to them their coworkers or employers can easily find the information and get them the help they need.
Allergies
Of course, insects aren’t the only source of allergies, especially in the springtime. Spring allergens like tree and grass pollens can trigger symptoms like sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, swollen mucus membranes, coughing, and itchy, watery eyes. To combat seasonal allergies, ReMA recommends recyclers keeping stock of non-drowsy over the counter medicines such as Claritin or Allegra brands.
Heat Risk
Though staying hydrated is important all year, it’s even more important to do so as the weather starts to warm up. Hydrate by drinking water and removing outer layers if necessary. Seek shade where necessary.
It’s also crucial to be prepared for heat emergencies. Workers need to acclimate to warmer temperatures and it’s a good idea to pay attention to urine color—the darker the urine the more your body needs fluids.
Inclement Weather
Spring is a good time for recyclers to review their action plans, particularly for inclement weather. Lighting storms, tornadoes, and even snow can still crop up in certain parts of the country so it’s important to make sure your action plan reflects those potential hazards.
Inclement weather can also lead to potential road hazards including potholes, or uneven surfaces such as lifted sidewalks, so pay attention to those potential spots, fill in the holes and check for unlevel surfaces.
Spring Cleaning
According to Stefan de Wilde, ReMA’s vice president of safety, spring is a good time to practice preventative maintenance in the yard.
“Check for areas that were covered in snow or are susceptible to water damage or rust and make sure your stockpiles are in good shape after the winter months,” he said. “Before a shift, walk through your yard and check for nails, screws, anything that could be covered by a layer of snow or that shifted from wind or rain. Take time to reset your filters, change out breathing apparatuses, and make sure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is available. Also check for electrical hazards, sometimes animals that build nests may chomp through your wires.”
de Wilde also recommends conducting a safety orientation reminder in the springtime as well. Not only should new employees participate in a safety orientation, but all employees should engage in an annual training.
As the weather starts to warm many communities may engage in spring cleaning days where they bring in materials that gathered in their storage such as cardboard, pallets, paper, or old paint cans. ReMA not only encourages recyclers to engage in similar activities within their companies but those that have the resources can participate in these community events.
“For example, if you take electronics, work with your local community to schedule a day where people can come by and drop off their old TVs, computers, and other electronic devices,” members of ReMA Safety said. “These are great community events, and they pair well with Earth Day, which takes place annually on April 22.”
It’s also a good idea to make sure that your own work site stays clean and clear of any debris or materials that may have blown up against fence lines or gathered during the winter months.
“It’s the neighborly thing to do to get a crew outside and clean up the road leading to your facility and along the fence line,” said Jerry Sjogren, ReMA’s senior director of safety. “I like to see facilities that are wearing reflective vests with the company name on the back so neighbors can see that recyclers are making a concerted effort to efficiently keep the space clean and tidy.”
