Providing a safe and healthy work environment for employees should be at the top of the list for you as an employer.

Did you know a common denominator of the top ten most dangerous jobs in the U.S. is working outdoors? In some types of work, danger is a part of the job description but being outdoors on a daily basis lends itself to less obvious risks that still can have potentially deadly threats. The outdoor workplace exposes employees to increased sun exposure, infectious insects and poisonous plants where susceptibility is much higher. Education about these concerns and protection against them are simple safeguards that are encouraged by OSHA.

So how are you protecting your outdoor workers?

Sun

Reduce your employees risk by incorporating the best skin protection program! Sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer today and with 1 million individuals in the U.S. being diagnosed each year, it is imperative outdoor workers be properly protected. Melanoma, the most serious skin cancer, accounts for more than 75 percent of skin cancer deaths. Outdoor workers receive 5 to 10 times more UV radiation exposure than indoor workers, significantly increasing their risk of developing skin cancer. All skin types may be damaged by exposure to UV radiation and this damage is permanent, irreversible and increases with each exposure.

Sun X SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is FDA compliant with the new FDA sunscreen monograph. The formulation offers equal UVA and UVB protection from the sun’s harmful rays and is rated water resistant with a maximum duration time allowed by FDA of 80 minutes. Sun X SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Multi-Pack w/Dry Towelette is a new, innovative and FDA compliant single dose foil package design. This packaging offers a convenient way to apply sunscreen while absorbing sweat, dirt, sunscreen and/or other substances.

Infectious Insects

Arm your employees with the proper defense such as BugX! Zika virus, West Nile virus and Lyme disease are all spreading quickly and becoming a serious concern. Infectious insects such as mosquitoes and ticks have the potential to be carriers of these devastating diseases. One simple bite may transfer a disease-causing agent, such as a parasite, bacterium, or virus. The infected individual may experience general malaise with non-specific symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Not only does this result in the loss of work but if not treated properly, it can have a detrimental effect to the body. Other than the typical bullseye mark associated with Lyme disease, both Zika and West Nile viruses may go undetected. Those infected could potentially be carriers of the disease without even knowing it.

The BugX line of products effectively repels mosquitoes and other insects carrying Zika virus, West Nile virus, Lyme disease, HGE, Encephalitis, Malaria, Dengue Fever and Spotted Fever. BugX30 with DEET is an approved EPA formula that allows the DEET to be released in a more controlled and measured manner, permitting longer lasting performance, once obtained only by high concentrations of DEET. This unique formulation provides up to 8 hours of protection from mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, fleas, gnats, and biting flies while being non-greasy and low odor.

Poisonous Plants

Guard your workers with IvyX! Poison ivy is the name commonly used when speaking of several different species of the sumac family that include poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Each year, these plants cause almost two million cases of dermatitis. They release an oil, urushiol, when the leaf or other plant parts are bruised, damaged, or burned. When the oil gets on the skin an allergic reaction occurs and causes itchy red rash with bumps or blisters. Even a minute amount of urushiol, less than a gram of table salt, will cause a reaction in 80-90% of individuals.

IvyX Pre-Contact Barrier acts as an invisible barrier to help protect against outdoor irritants. This Skin Solution dries quickly and is non-greasy, sticky or clay-like with no wait time. Simply apply and immediately start your outdoor task. IvyX Pre-Contact is almost unnoticeable on the skin and washes off easily with soap and water. IvyX Post-Contact Skin Cleanser is designed to be “Wetter than Water” to start the emulsifying process to assist in removing plant oils before they have time to cause the uncomfortable rash, blisters and itching commonly associated with poisonous plants.

Your employees are your biggest asset and protecting them should be your #1 concern!

OSHA recommends THAT OUTSIDE WORKERS BE PROTECTED FROM ALL ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

Seasonal warm months pose special hazards for outdoor workers who should protect themselves against heat, sun exposure, and other hazards. Employers and employees should know the potential hazards in their workplaces and how to manage them.