Enjoy the summer, but don’t let your safety sense slumber

There are no OSHA regulations about what to do away from work, but don’t let safety take a vacation along with your job. You’ll be of no use to your family or employer if you come back from the weekend or vacation battered and bruised, or not at all.

We’re not talking about the obvious, such as “Extreme Gardening” - the documented case of the two guys who lifted the power mower chest high to cut their hedge fence! You probably wouldn’t try that, but look out for the more common safety slips.

For example, wearing safety glasses when using a weed whacker is a must! Digging a garden? Are there any buried power lines in the area? That bug zapper – can kids or adults accidentally get at exposed electrical parts? Scraping and painting: how about some eye protection and a dust mask? If you're adding pool chemicals, don't get so close that they can splash back in your face. Fixing the roof or chimney? Tie yourself off so you don't do the 2-story leap by accident. Trimming some branches on that tree? Don’t forget to firmly secure the ladder and stay at least 10 feet away from power lines. You don’t have to actually touch a wire to get electrocuted. Electricity can “leap” to an aluminum ladder or other conductors. It’s worth a few minutes of that precious vacation time to ensure coming back in one piece and unhurt. Enjoy!