Cintas highlights lesser known risks that could put you and your family at risk (image: Kobizmedia/ Korea Bizwire)
CINCINNATI, July 1, 2014 (Korea Bizwire)–From barbecues to sporting events, summertime brings a flurry of outdoor activity – and the potential for injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).While some of the risks for injury are obvious, many are not. To help you enjoy a safer summer, Cintas today highlighted six surprising summer safety hazards.
“An accident can happen in a split second, and the key is to avoid situations that could result in an injury”
“An accident can happen in a split second, and the key is to avoid situations that could result in an injury,” said Rick Gerlach, Ph.D., Senior Director of Safety and Health, Cintas Corporation. “Summertime safety is something we stress with our more than 30,000 employee-partners to keep them safe at work and at home every day. By being aware of the potential risks, you can experience a safer summer.”
Six surprising safety hazards from Cintas include:
1. Flying Objects: From lawn mowers to weed trimmers, power equipment is in heavy use during the summer. It can send rocks, sticks and other objects flying through the air, causing injury to the operator or others nearby. To protect yourself, always wear closed-toe shoes, protective eyewear and hearing protection equipment.
2. Broken Glass: If you are enjoying a cold beverage on the patio or opening a window for a fresh summer breeze, be wary of broken glass. If glass shatters, first alert people nearby of the hazard. Using a broom, sweep all of the large pieces into a dust pan. Next, use a portable vacuum to safely remove small pieces and shards. In case of a minor laceration, make sure your first-aid cabinet is stocked with antibiotic ointment and bandages. For more serious lacerations, seek immediate medical assistance.
3. Insects: Parasitosis is the condition of being parasitized, bitten or lived on by another organism, and it happens more often during the summer. Even if you aren’t planning a summer camping trip, you can still be prey for hungry insects, such as mosquitoes or ticks. While most bites are harmless, they can also carry West Nile virus or Lyme disease. The chance of catching West Nile Virus is only one in 150, but you can easily protect yourself by using insect repellant.
4. Food. Nothing ruins memories of a great barbecue faster than a bad case of food poisoning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates approximately one in six Americans experience food poisoning each year. Before loading your plate with deviled eggs and chicken salad, check to see how long the food has been out of the refrigerator. If it has been sitting out for more than two hours, it’s a good idea to leave it on the table.
5. Sugary Drinks. Sugar-based liquids such as sodas or juices can be deceiving, not providing the hydration you need on a hot summer day. Health professionals warn that thirst indicates that you’re already dehydrated, so it’s critical to regularly consume water or an electrolyte-based sports drink throughout the day. Indicators of dehydration include headaches, dry skin and cramping, so drink up if you start to feel any of these symptoms.
6. Ladders. A recent report from the CDC found that more than 43 percent of falls in the last decade involved a ladder. Before getting on a ladder to clean drain spouts, paint or clear storm debris, make sure to inspect it. Always use a three-point stance, which means always having two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot, on the ladder at all times.
For more information on Cintas, please visit www.cintas.com.
About Cintas:
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas Corporation provides highly specialized services to businesses of all types primarily throughout North America. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom cleaning and supplies, tile and carpet cleaning, promotional products, first aid, safety, fire protection products and services and document management services for more than 1 million businesses. Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.
Source: Cintas (via BusinessWire)
