Health and Safety

https://www.umass.edu/coronavirus/

Know the Symptoms When to Seek Care

 

Inclement Weather Notifications:

If you prefer to receive text messages then sign-up for campus alerts at http://www.umass.edu/alerts/

Health and Safety Issues:

  • For your safety, be aware of your environment and footing in regards to construction and safety hazards!!
  • The 2018 Pedestrian Safety flyer is NOT YET revised 2018-Pedestrian-Safety-reminders-flyer
  • The Campus is Smoke-free. To educate yourself on campus policy, compliance and information on help with smoking cessation go to http://www.umass.edu/uhs/services/tobacco
  • There is a new group on campus called the Responsible UMass Employment Coalition for contractors. The purpose of this group is to promote green, environmentally friendly and respectful working conditions while incorporating responsible and safe construction
  • See USA contract for Health & Safety Procedures- Article 25
*Suggested Ranges of Temperature and Relative Humidity during
summer and winter.
(Assumes typical summer and winter clothing at light/sedentary activity levels)

Relative Humidity                  Winter Temperature                          Summer Temperature

30%                                         68.5° F-75.5° F                                   74.0° F-80.0° F

40%                                         68.0° F-75.0° F                                   73.5° F-80.0° F

50%                                         68.0° F-74.5° F                                   73.0° F-79.0° F

60%                                         67.5° F-74.0° F                                   73.0° F-78.5° F

* These guidelines are taken from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 55-1992

LET IT SNOW!!

Outdoor Safety at the Workplace: 9 Winter Safety Tips You Didn’t Know

Working during winter feels more like survival of the fittest than an everyday challenge. The risks are even tenfold for employees who have to work and drive outdoors. Here are 9 tips that should keep you safe during this trying season.

Bring out those hands!
Hold it! Don’t remove those gloves or mittens yet. Think twice before walking outside with your hands in your pockets. Why? Keeping your hands in your pockets increases the risk of you falling or completely losing your balance in case you slip while walking on ice or snow.

  1. Mittens VS. Gloves
    Gloves look fashionable but wearing mittens can actually save your life. With your fingers touching each other inside mittens, they generate more body heat than they would inside gloves.
  2. Warm up before shoveling
    Before you get rid of all the snow and ice at your workplace, do some stretching exercises first. You can also march in place or walk for a couple of minutes. With your muscles all warm, not only will you work more efficiently, you also reduce the risk of injuring yourself.
  3. Forget coffee and cigarettes
    Before shoveling or doing any strenuous work, avoid caffeine and nicotine. They increase your heart rate and may cause your blood vessels to constrict.
  4. Rock salt + Kitty Litter = Safer walkways
    Have some rock salt and/or kitty litter on hand. Rock salt helps melt the ice on slippery surfaces and kitty litter can give temporary traction.
  5. Tin can + Matches + Candle + Paper Cup + Snow = Drinking water  Yes, you read the equation right. Before going on the road, you better prepare a tin can, candle, paper cup, and some matches.
  6. Should you get stuck in the middle of the road and run short on water, you can always melt some snow with the supplies above as part of your emergency kit.
  7. Warm up before driving off
    You should warm up your vehicle before driving. This helps reduce the moisture and condensation on the inside of your car windows. But remember; don’t warm up your vehicle in a closed garage.
  8. Six inches equals danger
    Be wary of floods. Be doubly cautious of running water that is 6 inches deep or more, or you run the risk of getting swept off your feet.
  9. Report those damaged lines!
    After a winter storm, immediately report any downed power lines or broken gas lines in your area or workplace.

PREPARING FOR WINTER SPORTS

Many injuries occurred toward the end of the day due to overexertion or feeling tired, and the majority of them were preventable. Prepare for winter sports by keeping in good physical condition, staying alert, and stopping when tired or in pain. Consider the following tips when planning a winter sports activity:

 Never participate alone in a winter sport (have a buddy).

  • Keep in shape and condition your muscles before participating in winter sports.
  • Warm up thoroughly before playing and participating. Cold muscles and tendons are vulnerable to injury.

Wear appropriate protective & cold-weather gear (helmet, goggles, gloves, padding). Dress warmly.

  • Check that equipment is working properly prior to use. This applies to skis, sleds, etc.
  • Know and abide by all rules of the sport in which you are participating.
  • Take lessons from qualified instructors, especially in sports such as skiing and snowboarding. Learning how to fall correctly and safely can reduce the risk of injury.

Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature. Know what to do if these events occur suddenly.

  • Seek shelter and medical attention immediately if you or anyone with you is experiencing hypothermia or frostbite. Ensure everyone is aware of proper procedures for getting help if injuries occur.
  • Drink plenty of water before, during, and after activities.
  • Avoid participating in sports or continuing in a sport when you are in pain or exhausted.

 

Provided by the USA Health and Safety Committee