The Great Outdoors is Calling…Make Sure You’re Prepared with These Summer Safety Tips!

Well, summer is finally here and with it, more of us are headed outdoors. Whether for work or pleasure, if you plan to spend any significant time outside doing landscaping work, here are ten summer safety tips to remember when dealing with machinery, insects, heat, and more.

1. Always keep an eye on the thermometer and take all necessary precautions when working in the heat.
2. Stay hydrated – when working in hot weather nothing is more important than drinking plenty of water. Stay away from liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar as they can actually cause you to lose body fluids.
3. Treat the sun with respect. Reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer by wearing long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunshades. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
4. When operating a lawn mower, blower, or other machinery, make sure you wear safety goggles, sturdy shoes and long pants.
5. Be alert for any signs of heat-related illness especially high body temperature, headache, dizziness, rapid pulse, or nausea.
6. If you’re in a heavily wooded or damp area use insect repellant containing DEET.
7. Don’t forget to protect your ears and hearing when operating machinery.
8. Make sure your equipment is working properly.
9. Wear gloves to protect from skin irritations, cuts, and contaminants.
10. Always follow instructions and warning labels on chemical and lawn and garden equipment.

Remember These Summer Safety Tips to Stay Protected in the Great Outdoors!