Learn how to have fun and stay safe as you enjoy the great outdoors this summer. What’s your plan for this summer? Enjoying the water? Going camping? Firing up the grill? Whatever you prefer, we have safety steps to follow. And don’t forget your furry friends. There are steps you can take to help keep them safe too.
SAFE T Y FIRST
Austin employees have worked 8,712,130 hours without a Lost Time Accident through 06/2025.
Tips to Keep Your Family Safe and Healthy This Summer
WATER SAFETY
Every day, an average of 11 people die in the U.S. from unintentional drowning — and one in five of those are children 14 or younger according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Red Cross wants everyone to know critical safety knowledge and skills that could save your life in and around the water. We encourage families to build confidence in the water by learning to be safe, making good choices, learning to swim and how to handle emergencies.
• Preventing unsupervised access to water, providing constant, active adult supervision and knowing how to swim are critical layers of protection to help prevent drowning.
• Classes to learn how to swim are available for both children and adults. Check the map for Learn-toSwim providers in your community. Everyone should learn first aid and CPR too, so they know what to do in an emergency.
• Download the Red Cross Swim app , sponsored by The ZAC Foundation, for safety tips, kid-friendly videos and activities, and take the free Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers online course in English or in Spanish.
• It’s best to swim in a lifeguarded area. Always designate a “water watcher ” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
• Drowning behavior is typically fast and silent. Unless rescued, a drowning person will last only 20 to 60 seconds before submerging. Reach or throw, don’t go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble. Don’t go in or you could become a victim yourself. Test your knowledge!
• It only takes a moment. A child or weak swimmer can drown in the time it takes to reply to a text, check a fishing line or apply sunscreen. For additional information about staying safe while swimming in larger bodies of water like oceans or lakes, review our beach safety tips below.
BEACH SAFETY
Learn how to reduce the risks so your family can enjoy swimming in open water, like the ocean and large lakes:
• Watch the weather and get out of the water at the first sign of lightning or the rumble of thunder. Stay indoors and away from water for 30 minutes after the last lightning flashes or thunder roars.
• Swim only at a beach with a lifeguard, within the designated swimming area. Obey instructions and orders from lifeguards and ask them about local condition.
• As when swimming or relaxing in a pool or hot tub, always designate a “water watcher ” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
• Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
• Protect your neck – don’t dive in headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters. Watch out for and avoid aquatic life.
• If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm and don’t fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Then, turn and swim to shore. If you can’t swim to shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore. Draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help.
CAMPING SAFETY
If a camping trip is in your plans, know the level of ability of the people in your group and the environment around you. Plan accordingly.
• Pack a first aid kit to handle insect stings, sprains, cuts and bruises and other injuries that could happen to someone in your group. Take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR course and download the First Aid app so that you will know what to do in case help is delayed. You’ll learn how to treat severe wounds, broken bones, bites and stings and more.
• Sprains and falls are some of the most common misfortunes travelers may face. Falls are the biggest threat, many due to poor decision-making, lack of skill
or not being properly prepared. Dehydration is also a danger. Plan ahead for these dangers.
• Share your travel plans and locations with a family member, neighbor or friend.
• Bring nutritious food items and water, light-weight clothing to layer and supplies for any pets.
PICNIC SAFETY
Summer is a great time to get outside for a picnic. Follow these tips to prevent illness and keep everyone safe:
• Wash your hands, utensils and workstation before preparing the food.
• Separate uncooked meats, poultry, and seafood from ready-to-eat foods like salads, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and desserts. Use separate plates and utensils to prevent cross-contamination.
• Bring hand sanitizer if your picnic site doesn’t have handwashing facilities.
• If you are going to cook on the grill, bring a food thermometer to be sure grilled foods are cooked enough. For more information about safe grilling, review the additional tips below!
GRILLING SAFETY
Though more than three-quarters of U.S. adults have used a grill — yet, grilling sparks more than 10,000 home fires on average each year. To avoid this, the Red Cross offers these grilling safety tips:
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Never grill indoors — not in the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.
• Don’t leave perishable food out in the sun.
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MOSQUITOES AND TICKS
Don’t let mosquitoes and ticks ruin your carefree summer fun. As we spend more time outdoors for activities like camping, hiking, swimming, picnicking and barbecuing, there is a greater chance of getting bitten by mosquitoes and ticks. According to the American Mosquito Control Association there are 176 known species of mosquito in the U.S.—putting Americans at risk from coast to coast. And while mosquitoes may be the most obvious detractor from summer fun – ticks are silent but dangerous. Most active during warmer months (April to September), it is especially important to be vigilant of blacklegged ticks, more commonly known as deer ticks, especially if you live in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, North-central or Northwest.
Mosquitoes and ticks are more than just itchy and annoying — if infected, these pests can pose a major health risk to people by possibly transmitting diseases. Follow these tips to prevent mosquito and tick bites this summer:
• Use insect repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-metatoluamide) when you are outdoors. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.
• Consider staying indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and tuck your pant legs into your socks or boots.
• Use a rubber band or tape to hold pants against socks so that nothing can get under clothing.
• Tuck your shirt into your pants. Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to see tiny insects or ticks.
• When hiking in woods and fields, stay in the middle of trails. Avoid underbrush and tall grass.
• If you are outdoors for a long time, check yourself several times during the day. Especially check in hairy areas of the body like the back of the neck and the scalp line.
• Inspect yourself carefully for insects or ticks after being outdoors or have someone else do it.
• If you have pets that go outdoors, spray with repellent made for their breed/type. Apply the repellent according to the label and check your pet for ticks often.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying sources of standing water outside of the home, such as from flowerpots, buckets and barrels.
SUMMER AND PETS
Summer’s heat can be dangerous for your family pets. Follow these steps to help ensure your pet stays safe this summer.
• Don’t leave your pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open.
• Animals can suffer heat stroke, a common problem for pets in the warmer weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are especially prone to heat stroke, along with overweight pets, those with extremely thick fur coat or any pet with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea.
• Some of the signs of heat stroke in your pet are heavy panting, being unable to calm down, even when lying down, brick red gum color, fast pulse rate and being unable to get up.
• If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, take their temperature rectally. If the temperature is above 105 degrees, cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees
• Bring your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage. Download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for instant access on how to treat heat stroke, other emergencies and general care for cats and dogs and take the Cat and Dog First Aid Online Training course.
FIREWORKS
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals, at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks and it’s best to leave any area where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
• If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps to help keep your community safe:
• Choose a location away from buildings and trees.
• Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Be sure your spectators, including children and pets, stay well back.
• Keep a supply of water or fire extinguisher at hand. If you live in an area that’s experiencing a drought, consider canceling the show this year – a stray spark that lands on dry grass or leaves can lead to a wildfire.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
To make it as easy as possible, OSHA has condensed the message down into three key words. WATER. REST. SHADE.
How to Beat the Heat With Water, Rest and Shade
06.2025 | WeeklySafety
Any employer with workers exposed to high temperatures should establish a complete heat illness prevention program.
OSHA has a great campaign that gets a lot of buzz every summer. The Heat Illness Prevention campaign aims to educate workers and their employers on the dangers of working in the heat. OSHA does as much as possible every year to get the message out through training sessions, outreach programs, publications, social and online media and they encourage everyone to spread the word. To make it as easy as possible, OSHA has condensed the message down into three key words. Water. Rest. Shade.
Under OSHA law, employers are responsible for providing workplaces free of known safety hazards. This includes protecting workers from extreme heat . An employer with workers exposed to high temperatures should establish a complete heat illness prevention program .
Any heat illness prevention program should include the following:
• Workers should be provided with adequate water, rest, and shade during the course of the work day.
• New or returning workers should be allowed to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they build up their tolerance to working in the heat.
• Emergency plans for first aid and medical transport should any employee show signs of heat illness.
• Safety meetings to train workers on heat illness prevention.
• Safety meetings to train workers to recognize symptoms of heatrelated illnesses in themselves and their co-workers.
• Training program for supervisors on preventing and recognizing heat-related illnesses
• Monitoring program set up during every shift to ensure water, rest and shade are being adequately provided and heat-related illnesses are being prevented and caught early as symptoms are noticed.
Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in extreme heat or humid conditions. More than 40 percent of heat-related worker deaths occur in the construction industry, but workers in every field are susceptible. There are a range of heat illnesses and they can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition.
Some companies are getting creative with their heat illness prevention programs. Here are some awesome examples of how companies across the country and making sure their workers stay safe, but still get the job done, when temperatures soar in the summertime.
• Implement a buddy system within shifts so workers can keep an eye on each other and report heat illness symptoms quickly to the supervisor.
• Set up portable canopies outside with misting hoses woven throughout the frames to cover workers with a fine mist of water to help keep everyone cool.
• Cooling caps and bandanas are provided to all outdoor workers.
• Monitor the OSHA-NIOSH heat safety app and follow the provided recommendations.
• When temperatures are expected to be especially high, provide earlier shift options and additional breaks.
• Keep reinforcing the heat illness prevention message throughout the entire summer by sending text messages and emails to all workers, posting signs and posters around the job site, and giving frequent toolbox talks on the hazards of heat exposure.
• When working inside shops, hangars, and warehouses that get exceedingly hot, provide plenty of large fans, ice machines, and water dispensers and rotate jobs to cooler locations inside and out.
• Train all workers in first aid/CPR with emphasis on recognition of heat stress.
• Share the message about heat illness prevention as often as possible on social media by sharing pictures of your crews to inspire others and make sure to use the hashtag #WaterRestShade.
Workers need to be aware of their specific limitations and remember that sometimes their body may not cool off fast enough. Factors that can increase the chance of heat stress include:
• High temperature and humidit.y
• Not drinking enough water.
• Direct exposure (with no shade) or extreme heat.
• No breeze or wind.
• Physical activity without breaks.
• Use of bulky protective clothing and equipment.
To learn more about heat-related illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke you can visit the Weeklysafety.com article Recognizing Heat Stress and visit the OSHA page on Occupational Heat Exposure. Both provide great information to help put together a toolbox talk on preventing heat-related illnesses. All companies that have outdoor workers, or any employees that work in a warm or hot environment for any part of the work day, should be having safety meetings and giving toolbox talks on heat stress. Ideally the message should be reinforced throughout the summer, at least once a month, but more often if possible. Putting together the safety message, toolbox talk or safety meeting topic takes time and the free online resources that provide a safety topic outline to follow aren’t usually good enough. Weeklysafety.com can make this part of your job easier and it’s super simple to get started.
A membership to Weeklysafety.com comes at a very low price that never goes up no matter how many employees you have and no matter how many awesome safety topics you use. Included in your membership are hundreds of safety topics that you can use for your safety meetings, toolbox talks and safety moments.
Leave Fireworks to the Experts
06.2025 | National Safety Council
Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks. The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home. They may be legal but they are not safe.
Every year, thousands of people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworksrelated incidents, with many of the injuries to children and young adults. While the majority of these incidents are due to amateurs attempting to use professionalgrade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers can also cause significant injuries. Additionally, fireworks start an average of 1 9,000 fires each year.
FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS: IF YOU CHOOSE TO USE LEGAL FIREWORKS
If consumer fireworks are legal to buy where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to follow the following safety tips:
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
• Never light them indoors.
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
• Never ignite devices in a container.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.
• Never use illegal fireworks.
The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home.
Better yet, grab a blanket and a patch of lawn, kick back and let the experts handle the fireworks show.
SPARKLERS ARE DANGEROUS
Every year, young children can be found along parade routes and at festivals with sparklers in hand, but sparklers are a lot more dangerous than most people think. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing,
and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under 5 years of age, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.
Consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers.
Safe Alternatives to Fireworks
05.13.2024 | Family Safety & Health
Hands, fingers and legs. These three areas of your body make up half of the approximately 9,100 fireworksrelated injuries treated in ERs each year, the National Fire Protection Association says. (Eyes and other parts of the head come next.)
Kids ages 10-14 are most at risk. A common culprit? Sparklers. They may look harmless, but they burn at about 1,200° F and account for about 25% of fireworks injuries, the NFPA says.
The association adds that “more than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually.”
So, this year, how about leaving the fireworks show to the professionals and choosing a safer alternative for your athome celebrations?
The NFPA has some suggestions:
• Glow sticks.
• Noisemakers.
• Red, white and blue silly string.
• Homemade crafts, such as decorated star wands or patriotic pinwheels.
Have fun and be safe!
Caring, Compassion and Other Lessons Safety Professionals Can Learn From Dogs
EHS professionals are constantly striving to do more to keep workers safe from harm. It’s a noble goal, but it’s important to focus on building trusting relationships, too.
Over the holidays, I had the privilege of watching my friend’s dog while she and her husband visited out-ofstate family. I have been entrusted with Cocoa’s care several times before, and I never take it for granted. It is a big responsibility to care for someone else’s beloved companion, but it’s also a great gift. This visit was filled with cuddles, presents and freshly boiled chicken—same as always. But Cocoa’s most recent stay was imbued with greater significance.
Cocoa is still the sweet and sassy girl I know and love, but I was forced to acknowledge that she’s now a senior dog. She doesn’t fly up and down the steps. In fact, I was so worried about her slipping or hurting herself on our hardwood stairs that I carried her.
I also had to find new ways to communicate with Cocoa since she has lost much of her hearing. I found that making eye contact, putting on my coat and waving were effective ways to prevent startling her, tell her it’s time for a walk and have her follow me.
These gestures only worked because Cocoa trusts me completely. I am fortunate to have known Cocoa since my friend rescued her about 12 years ago. During that time, and in our many visits together, I have proven that I will make sure she is warm, dry and fed. I will give her plenty of belly rubs, play tug or fetch with her, and let her lead us on our walks. In exchange, she lets me brush her fur, touch her paws, and remove her eye crusties. She does not let most people do these things, and I’m honored to be an exception.
As any pet parent or human parent knows, caregiving is a round-the-clock job. I found myself waking up at odd hours,
checking to make sure she was alright and keeping tabs on how much she ate and drank. I also found myself wanting to be a better person, the person I thought she deserved.
Once, I was on the verge of tears because I felt like I had failed her. My partner gently said something to the effect of “Look at Cocoa, asleep next to you. She’s fine! I don’t think you did anything wrong, but even if you had, she’s clearly forgiven you.”
When you care for another, it’s all too easy to focus on your shortcomings, real or imagined. In times like these, it’s difficult to see that the very act of showing up, trying your best and loving unconditionally proves you are worthy of the responsibility bestowed upon you. It is both aweinspiring and awesome.
There are so many lessons to be learned from others, including pets. I found that while I didn’t sleep as good as I normally do, I wasn’t all that tired. Beyond a mere duty or obligation to take care of Cocoa, I felt like I had a purpose. Yes, it can be stressful and overwhelming at times, but seeing her smile, swish her tail and play with her Lamb Chop is worth it everything, every single time.
To a certain extent, I imagine this is how you must feel most days as safety professionals.
You create programs, conduct training, purchase personal protective equipment and install technology to keep people safe on the job.
You spend your days thinking of new, better and more ways to protect your colleagues.
You get frustrated when your warnings are not heeded because—more so than any fines or citations—you dread the phone call, text or alert that there’s been an accident.
You put your whole heart and self into caring for others, making sure their physical, emotional and mental needs are met.
You worry you’re not doing enough while also doing everything you can to make workplaces safer.
You have every reason and right to be worried about the potential safety risks and to focus on mitigating them.
Still, I encourage you take a cue from Cocoa and pause to enjoy this present moment. Recognize—and be proud of—your accomplishments, for which there are many. Even when it doesn’t feel like you’ve done enough remember that those you care for know how you feel, trust you because of your past words and deeds, and care for you in return.
OSHA General Duty Clause
06.17.2025 | Weeklysafety.com
Regular safety meetings incorporated into your company’s safety program are guaranteed to lower the risk of safety violations.
What happens when there is no OSHA standard on a specific safety hazard? You know it’s unsafe… but OSHA hasn’t gotten around to writing a specific regulation to cover that hazard.
‘The Checklist Manifesto: How to get things right’ goes on to When new industries, technologies, and manufacturing operations are introduced on the market, it’s obvious that OSHA won’t have specific standards on the books very quickly. And looking through all the standards, you may find there isn’t a specific rule written for every current known hazard. So, what does that mean for employers? Are companies and organizations free to do whatever they want if there isn’t an OSHA rule about it?
Short answer: No, Definitely Not.
OSHA has a catch-all called The General Duty Clause that covers all recognized workplace hazards that might
not necessarily be addressed by a specific standard. The General Duty Clause applies to any set of OSHA standards including the Construction Regulations (29 CFR 1926 ) and the General Industry Regulations (29 CFR 1910 ).
OSH ACT OF 1970 GENERAL DUTY CLAUSE STATES:
EACH EMPLOYER
1. Shall furnish to each of his employee’s employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;
2. Shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.
• Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.
Employers can be cited for violation of The General Duty Clause if a recognized serious hazard exists in the workplace and the employer does not take reasonable steps to prevent or abate the hazard. The General Duty Clause is used only when there is no standard that applies to the particular hazard in question.
THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS ARE NECESSARY TO PROVE A VIOLATION OF THE GENERAL DUTY CLAUSE:
• The employer failed to keep the workplace free of a hazard to which employees of that employer were exposed.
• The hazard was recognized.
• The hazard was causing or was likely to cause death or serious physical harm.
• There was a feasible and useful method to correct the hazard.
Any hazard created in part by a condition not covered by a standard may be cited under The General Duty Clause. A condition is recognized as a hazard if it is:
• Generally recognized as a hazard in the particular industry in which it occurred.
• Detectable by sight, smell, touch, hearing or testing.
Some common hazards that might be cited under The General Duty Clause include hazardous lifting, indoor air quality and workplace violence.
Federal OSHA does not have a standard on ergonomics so in work environments where repetitive tasks, awkward postures, or hazardous lifting are commonplace, the employer is required to ensure these hazards are minimized so employees are not at risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
OSHA also currently has no indoor air quality (IAQ) standards but it does provide guidelines about the most common IAQ workplace complaints . Employers are required to follow The General Duty Clause when it comes to air quality in the workplace and can be cited by OSHA if this is a hazard for employees.
In another example, because there are no specific OSHA standards for workplace violence , an employer that has experienced acts of workplace violence, or becomes aware of threats, intimidation, or other indicators showing that the potential for violence in the workplace exists, would be on notice of the risk of workplace violence and should implement a workplace violence prevention program combined with engineering controls, administrative controls, and training.
Other examples of hazardous situations where employers were cited under The General Duty Clause and ordered by OSHA to correct the hazard include:
• Required frequent twisting of the body while shifting a load.
• No immediate means provided to lone workers to summon medical assistance.
• Use of hoists without load ratings.
• Improper storage of highly reactive chemicals.
• Exposure to mercury vapors from inadequate housekeeping.
• No automatic shut-off provided on a pipe threading machine.
With regular safety meetings incorporated into your company’s safety and health program you are guaranteed to lower the risk of safety violations, including those that might fall under The General Duty Clause. Holding regular safety meetings, toolbox talks, or safety moments with your crews, teams and staff is also the best way to ensure that your company is off to a great start meeting and exceeding all of OSHA’s compliance standards.
Suicide Prevention in Construction: 5 Things You Should Know
09.01.2024 | OSHA.gov
The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates of any occupation. Suicide deeply impacts workers, families, and communities. Fortunately, like other workplace fatalities, suicides can be prevented. Everyone in the construction industry has a role to play in suicide prevention. Below are 5 things to know about preventing suicide.
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EVERYONE CAN HELP PREVENT LOSS BY SUICIDE
Mental health and suicide can be difficult to talk about—especially with work colleagues— but your actions can make a difference. When you work closely with others, you may sense when something is wrong.
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE
There is no single cause for suicide but there are warning signs. Changes in behavior, mood, social media posts, or even what they say may signal someone is at risk. Take these signs seriously. It could save a life.
ASK “ARE YOU OKAY?”
If you are concerned about a coworker, talk with them privately, be compassionate, and listen without judgment. Encourage them to reach out to your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Member Assistance Program (MAP), the human resources (HR) department, or a mental health professional.
IF SOMEONE IS IN CRISIS, STAY WITH THEM AND GET HELP
If you believe a coworker is at immediate risk of suicide, stay with them until you can get further help. Contact emergency services or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE.
• Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website(afsp. org ) and the Construction Industry Alliance for SuicidePrevention website (preventconstructionsuicide. com ) tolearn more about suicide risk factors, warning signs, and whatyou can do to help prevent suicide.
Summer holidays are a chance to relax and forget about the daily grind. But there are certain things that should never be left behind, and the safety of your loved ones is one of them. Every year thousands of people get injured, get food poisoning, drown or get painfully sunburnt while on holiday. Safety shouldn’t take a vacation just because you do.
So here are some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy this summer.
DROWNING
Small children can drown in as little as an inch of water (in buckets or coolers, for example), so make sure that your child is always in your sight. But anyone—even experienced swimmers—can drown due to a variety of reasons (fatigue, intoxication, strong currents, lack of life jackets, etc.), so consider the points below.
• Never leave your child alone at a pool or beach and always take them with you, even if you’re going away just for a minute.
• Keep your cleaning buckets, bathtubs and kiddie pools empty when not using them.
• Make sure your children wear life jackets in and around natural bodies of water. The life jackets must be well-fitted (the term the Coast Guard uses is “comfortably snug”).
• When boating, remember to always wear a life jacket (they’re not only meant for children). Ensure the boat has enough Coast Guard approved life jackets for each person aboard before departing.
• Try to find age-appropriate swimming courses for your child before the summer break.
• If your family member survives drowning or near drowning, keep an eye on them for about 24 hours for delayed symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing and/ or chest discomfort, extreme fatigue, irritability and behavior changes. If you notice any respiratory symptoms or unusual behavior, seek medical help.
• It’s not only children who are at risk of drowning, so remember to always swim with a partner and never swim after drinking alcohol or taking medicine that causes drowsiness.
SUN EXPOSURE
Summer holidays are a chance to finally go out in the sun and enjoy days to the fullest. But being exposed to direct sunlight during sun peak hours means a higher risk of skin cancer, cataracts and heat stress. Approximately 90 percent of skin cancers are linked to UV exposure, which means that they are largely preventable. Protect your family and yourself by following these rules:
• Use broad spectrum and water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 on skin not covered by clothing.
• Apply the sunscreen generously and reapply regularly and when you get wet or sweat.
• Find some shade or bring your own, such as umbrellas.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
• Cover your head, neck and ears.
• Don’t deliberately try to get a suntan and avoid getting a sunburn.
• Wear sunglasses or prescription eyeglasses with UVprotective lenses.
LYME DISEASE
Lyme disease is spread by certain ticks. If you travel to areas where ticks are found, you should know about the risk of Lyme disease and take precautions to protect your family. Find out from the local public health office if there are ticks in the area before you travel.
• When entering areas with low bushes, long grasses or woodlands, wear closed-toe shoes, long-sleeved shirts that fit tightly around the wrist, and pants tucked into your socks or boots. Use a tarp when sitting on the ground.
• When hiking, walk in the center of the trail.
• Use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin on clothes and skin (read the label and follow instructions for use).
• After being in areas where ticks may live, check for ticks on and under clothing. Wear light-colored clothes to help you find the ticks more easily.
• Inspect your skin daily (including armpits, in and around hair, navel, groin, and behind the ears and knees).
• Check your pets.
• Shower within two hours of being outdoors to wash away loose ticks (they may take a few hours to attach themselves to your skin).
• Wash your clothes and put them in the dryer to help kill any ticks that may remain.
• Carefully remove any ticks if you find them attached to the skin. If the mouthparts of the tick break off or do not come out, try to remove them with tweezers or, if you are unable to remove them easily, leave them alone and let the skin heal.
• Wash that area of your skin with soap and water or disinfect with alcohol.
• Keep the tick for testing by placing it in a small sealed container or double resealable bags and bring the tick to your doctor if you experience or if think you might be experiencing symptoms of Lyme disease.
BACK INJURY FROM CARRYING LUGGAGE, COOLERS AND GEAR
Over 84,000 people were treated for injuries related to carrying luggage in 2015. It’s not surprising, especially when the rushing and frustration involved in traveling make people forget to use proper lifting techniques. This is why you should make it a point to lift luggage with your legs rather than your waist and to hold it close to your body.
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• Choose luggage with wheels and handles.
• Try to pack lightly, only taking things that are necessary.
• Bend your knees and lift luggage with your leg muscles.
• If carrying a backpack, make sure to balance its weight on your shoulders and have both straps padded.
• Don’t rush. It’s better to make a few more trips to the car than hurt your back. If a piece of luggage is too heavy, consider re-packing and leaving some things behind or ask for help.
FOOD POISONING
Millions of people have vacations and business trips ruined each year when they succumb to food poisoning and “traveler’s diarrhea.” The main causes are bacteria, viruses and parasites. Unfortunately, contamination of food and drink can happen at any point during processing or preparation. Additionally, hot and humid countries have more contaminants in their food and water. So what precautions can you take?
• Brush your teeth with bottled water.
• Don’t open your mouth in the shower.
• Wash your hands often, especially before preparing and eating food.
• Don’t drink from the taps and boil your drinking water for three minutes.
• Only drink water or juice from sealed containers—in restaurants ask to open them yourself.
• Carefully wipe down cans and bottles before you drink from them.
• Don’t use ice in your drinks.
• Steer clear of buffets, including sauces, salads, cooked sliced meats, pâté, cheeses and foods at room temperature that may be repeatedly heated up.
ALSO AVOID EATING THE FOLLOWING:
• Ice cream.
• Seafood.
• Fruit and vegetable skins.
• Raw meat, poultry, or eggs.
• “Ready-to-eat” food such as pre-packed sandwiches.
• Sauces and condiments with street foods—they may be watered down using tap water.
• Any food that may have been washed in contaminated water.
WHAT IS SAFE TO EAT AND DRINK?
• Fruit and vegetables that can be peeled.
• Bottled water.
• Freshly cooked hot food.
EMERGENCIES ABROAD
When traveling abroad, it’s not enough to book a flight and purchase relevant currency. Consider what possible risks you and your family might be exposed to and plan accordingly.
• Purchase travel insurance (it should include medical insurance). You’re not likely to need it, but in the event that you do, not having to worry about the costs is a great relief when dealing with emergencies.
• Check if you need any vaccinations. If you do, see your doctor or a travel health specialist.
• Many travel immunizations need to be given in a series of shots administered over a period of days or weeks. They also need time to work. So give yourself enough time to plan and get any travel vaccinations you and your family might need.
• Make sure you and your children carry emergency numbers like your local embassy, local police or ambulance in the event you need them.
• Write down the address of the place you’re staying in case you become stranded and need to get back.
• Research any important information about your destination if it’s an area that’s not familiar to you. Do the local laws impact the clothes you should wear and the way you should behave in public? For example, some countries will not allow you to drink alcohol in the street or in a public space and public displays of affection can get you in trouble. Make sure you know what to avoid.
DRIVING ABROAD
Don’t assume that just because you know how to drive in your country, you’ll know how to do it abroad.
• Look up the rules and regulations relevant to your destination. Some street signs or speed limits might be very different. They could also use kilometers instead of miles or even drive on the other side of the road.
• Check if your driver’s license will be accepted. Some countries only accept international driving permits from foreign drivers, in which case you will have to obtain one before your vacation.
• Check the routes you’re planning to take and get a map. It will save a lot of frustration and worry.
• Always wear seatbelts.
• Make sure you have collision/liability insurance.
Approximately 1.35 million people die each year as a result of vehicle crashes and between 20 and 50 million people sustain injuries. Road traffic injuries are also the leading cause of death for children and young adults.*
Driving is one of the riskiest activities of your day and it becomes even riskier on vacation because:
• Your driving is more easily influenced by your state of mind (frustration, fatigue, etc.).
• Your children might be fighting or misbehaving, distracting you from driving.
• Family conflict can influence your driving.
• Unfamiliar roads and areas can cause you to perform an illegal maneuver or not react fast enough to a hazard.
FIRST-AID KIT
Whether you’re taking a road trip, camping or renting a cottage, remember to pack a first-aid kit. You might not need it, but it can be a literal life-saver.
• If you’re using an old kit, check it for expired items and replace if needed.
• Make sure your kit includes an up-to-date first-aid manual and read it.
• Include a flashlight and extra batteries.
• Store it somewhere you can easily find it, but make sure it’s out of children’s reach.
CONSIDER YOUR STATE OF MIND
Think about the number of near misses or injuries in your life that were caused by rushing or frustration. These and other states of mind are more than likely to affect you and your family’s safety on vacation. For example, any of the following can cause an injury or worse:
• Rushing to pack the suitcases in the car.
• Frustration when driving on unfamiliar road or when family members affect your driving.
• Excitedly jumping into unfamiliar water.
• Being complacent about applying sunscreen or wearing life jackets.
These are just a few of the many possible examples, so consider how everyone in your family can get affected and prepare.
• Think about situations where you know you’ll be likely to become frustrated, rushed or fatigued and come up with solutions that may reduce the impact of these states on you.
• Think about when your loved ones are likely to become reckless because of rushing, fatigue or even joy and either plan for it or talk about it with them. For example, children should know that just because they notice something exciting, they shouldn’t just rush in.
• Prepare your children for situations where you know they’ll be at risk and remain vigilant.
Planning and keeping safety in mind won’t ruin your holiday, and it just might save you from spending it at the emergency room.
Every year, the injuries and deaths that happen on vacation always happen to someone’s family. So use the tips in this brochure to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy this summer.
Safety-First Culture Is Challenge for EHS Professionals
06.10.2025 | EHS Today
The focus is: addressing the important roles all employees play in building a sustainable safety culture, not just the responsibility of safety professionals alone.
A new report emphasizes the role of all employees, not just those in EHS, in building a sustainable safety culture.
Safety organizations face three fundamental challenges, according to a recently released report from J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., “State of Environmental Health & Safety” benchmarking study .
• Difficulty getting employees to understand and follow safety procedures.
• Balancing EHS needs with other business demands.
• Overcoming resistance to change and establishing a safety-first culture.
“Reading the survey results made me smile,” said Joe Proulx, EHS editor with J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. and co-author of the study report, said in a statement. “Despite crucial challenges and concerns about regulatory complexities, attitudes, and management situations, the focus wasn’t solely on compliance and discipline. Instead, it was on addressing the important roles all employees play in building a sustainable safety culture, not just the responsibility of safety professionals alone.”
Looking at the challenges affecting companies, the survey found the following:
• Developing and maintaining programs – 67%.
• Keeping up with regulatory changes - 66%.
• Training and evaluating workers - 59%.
When asked about the three most important factors for employers in achieving regulatory compliance at their
companies, companies chose these top 3 factors for ensuring EHS compliance:
• Identifying and addressing compliance gaps in programs and behaviors - 57%.
• Conducting thorough risk and hazard assessments - 52%.
• Maintaining accurate, organized EHS programs and documentation - 51%.
LOOKING AT MORE SPECIFIC AREAS, THE SURVEY CAME TO THE FOLLOWING CONCLUSIONS:
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND BUY-IN
• Getting employees to buy into and engage with EHS programs and initiatives.
• Implementing new EHS measures amid employee resistance to changes in safety procedures and protocols.
• Maintaining consistent employee engagement and buy-in for.
EHS COMMUNICATION AND STANDARDIZATION
• Communicating EHS information effectively across multiple locations and departments.
• Establishing and maintaining consistent EHS processes and procedures across different sites or regions.
• Aligning different groups and departments to ensure standardized application of EHS practices.
TRAINING AND COMPLIANCE
• Tracking and managing employee training.
• Keeping up with changing regulations and requirements for training.
• Ensuring employees apply what they’ve learned in training and maintain compliance.
RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS
• Implementing comprehensive EHS programs with limited budgets and financial resources, especially at smaller companies.
• Staffing and time constraints are preventing EHS professionals from fully addressing all necessary EHS priorities and initiatives.
• Balancing EHS needs with other business demands and constraints CU.
The survey also inquired about how EHS has evolved over the past two years.
...continued on next page
INCREASED REGULATIONS AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
• This has occurred particularly at the state and local levels.
• Pace and volume of regulations feel burdensome and restrictive.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT COMPLIANCE
• Focus has increased on ESG (environmental, social, and governance) initiatives and impact reduction.
• Both companies and customers have applied pressure to adopt more environmentally friendly practices.
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND DIGITAL TOOLS
• Increase in online tools and software helped improve efficiency, data tracking, and reporting.
• Integration of AI and automation has become more prevalent.
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
• Greater emphasis has been placed on engagement through training, feedback mechanisms, and collaboration initiatives.
• This has led to better identification of EHS issues and improved safety culture.
CHANGING WORKFORCE AND TURNOVER
• High employee turnover has impacted organizations’ ability to maintain a strong safety culture.
• There has been a shortage of experienced workers.
When asked how EHS will evolve over the next three years, the answers were as follows:
INCREASED REGULATIONS AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
• Expect to see an increase in volume and complexity of regulations.
• Growing regulatory burden will become a challenge for small businesses.
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN EHS COMPLIANCE
• Greater integration of AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics to improve monitoring, reporting, and training.
• Some concern about over-reliance on technology.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS
• Continued increased focus on sustainability, environmental protection, and green practices.
• Continued increase in customer and regulatory demands (EHS controls and metrics).
EVOLVING EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND SAFETY CULTURE
• Expect to see EHS compliance become more embedded in company culture.
• Anticipate the need for more safety professionals to facilitate this cultural shift.
POTENTIAL POLICY CHANGES UNDER CURRENT ADMINISTRATION
• Contrary to those who expect an increase in regulations and compliance requirements, others anticipate a potential reduction in regulations and enforcement.
• Some concern that a more business-friendly approach could lead to weakening of EHS protections.
HAVE YOU COMPLETED THE SAFETY QUIZ?
In case you missed it, scan the QR code or click the link below to take the quiz today!
As part of our ongoing commitment to workplace safety, it’s always been a requirement to kick off meetings with a safety topic when three or more people are present.
These quizzes will be featured in each edition of the Safety Net, as well as on MyAustin. This is a fun and effective way to reinforce safety knowledge.
Get ready to test your knowledge and become a safety expert!
