University Campus Safety – Outdoor Safety

When approaching the issue of occupational safety and health on university campuses, it can sometimes be tempting to “think inside the box” and only consider potentially hazardous activities which occur within a university building.  While it is true that labs, swimming pools and even cafeteria kitchens all offer their own specific challenges when it comes to worker safety, there are other hazards that exist out of doors which are equally dangerous but not always as easy to identify.

Chief amongst those at risk of injury on a university campus are those maintenance and grounds keeping staff.  In addition to the standard hazards posed by the use of power tools or the interaction with dangerous machines or electrical circuits, these workers also face other dangers linked to constant exposure to the elements.  Especially in the summer, the heat from the sun can have a difficult to detect – and potentially lethal – effect on worker health.  Sunstroke, heat stroke, dehydration and sun burn are all preventable injuries that must be addressed by a campus safety plan.

While covering up with long sleeves and pant legs can help keep the sun off of a worker’s skin, the need to remain hydrated is also something that should not be ignored.  University grounds are often extensive, and workers can find themselves far away from any buildings which could provide a supply of fresh, cool water.  Providing employees with portable coolers filled with products such as Sqwincher and Gatorade can be more effective at keeping them hydrated than simple water, thanks to their formulation which is designed to quickly replace minerals and vitamins lost through sweating.  Parking lot attendants or special events workers should also be included in a hydration plan.  It is easy for an employee who is absorbed in their task to forget about the need to drink fluids on a regular basis, and foremen and women must be trained to remind their workers not to neglect this simple yet critical health issue.

Tying in with outdoor work is the need for employees who are exposed to vehicle traffic to remain visible while performing their jobs.  All joking about the dangers of young drivers aside, many times preventable tragedies such as automobile accidents or incidents involving heavy lawn equipment occur because the victim simply wasn’t seen in time.  Whether work is being performed in the day time or night time, reflective clothing such as vests, hats or jackets can significantly improve the chances of workers remaining highly visible.  Not only should this type of gear be distributed to campus security and traffic personnel, but it should also be given to employees who frequent less often used areas of a university’s grounds.  This gives them an extra visibility edge should they encounter mechanized vehicles whose drivers may not be expecting pedestrians.

Sun and sight are two catchwords that outdoor workers should always be familiar with.  Not only should these employees be trained in how to recognize potentially dangerous situations involving heat and visibility, but they should also be given the proper tools to protect themselves from harm.