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Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Kentucky Office of Occupational Safety and Health issues tips for summer safety
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 6, 2006) - Schools are out and summer is here. Not coincidentally, June is National Safety Month.
The Kentucky Office of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is offering safety tips for summer as swimming pools reopen, vacationers take to the road and many recreational activities move outdoors.
Prolonged exposure to heat and overexposure to lawn chemicals are among the most common causes of summer illnesses and injuries around the home. A few extra minutes in the sun might be enough to cause heat stroke. It is best to wear a hat, use sun block, drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade.
If symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, chills and the sudden stoppage of perspiration occur, go inside, lie down and drink ionized water. Children and the elderly are at greater risk and should avoid going outdoors in extremely hot temperatures.
Many serious injuries result from use of lawn mowers every year. A lawn mower must be handled with as much caution as an automobile. Other popular summer activities - swimming, boating, hiking and camping, to name a few - also call for caution.
Kentucky OSH is providing the following Internet links to resources about keeping your family safe throughout the summer months:
· Heat stress, insect bites, burns from fireworks, grills, poison ivy and chemicals: www.fda.gov.fdac/features/2004/304summer.html <http://www.fda.gov.fdac/features/2004/304summer.html>
· Lawn mower safety: www.summer.about.com <http://www.summer.about.com>
· Water safety, boating safety, sun safety, hiking and camping safety: www.redcross.org <http://www.redcross.org>
· Consumer product safety: www.cpsc.gov <http://www.cpsc.gov>
· Highway safety: www.kentuckystatepolice.org <http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org>
· Pool safety, bug safety, playground safety, bicycle safety, skateboard and scooter safety, and all-terrain vehicle safety: www.aap.org <http://www.aap.org>
· Fireworks safety: www.ohbc.ky.gov/fireprevention/fireworks <http://www.ohbc.ky.gov/fireprevention/fireworks>
· Hunting, shooting and boating safety related classes: www.fw.ky.gov <http://www.fw.ky.gov>
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