Summertime!

Ahhhhh! The promise of summer - sunny days, lazy evenings, barbeques, picnics, getaways and good times. To make sure these times are truly enjoyable, follow some of the tips mentioned in this newsletter. This issue's topics include: 15 passenger vans, dehydration, sun protection, poison ivy, insects, and safe summer travel. Enjoy!

Room for Fifteen?
In April of 2001, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warned that 15 passenger vans are three times more likely to rollover when there are 10 or more passengers present. Although there is no special license needed in North Dakota to operate these vans, they should only be driven by experienced drivers. When fully loaded, the van's center of gravity shifts up and to the back, increasing the risk of rollovers. When transporting 16 or more persons, a commercial drivers license is required. Please remember it is University policy that seatbelt us is MANDATORY IN ALL STATE and SERVICE VEHICLES.

Fun in the Sun?
Thirst is the first sign of dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of cool water in warm environments. Sipping small amounts frequently (e.g., one cup every 20 minutes) will help avoid heat stress. Alcohol, coffee, tea, and caffeinated soft drinks contribute to dehydration and should be avoided.

Gotta Wear Shades
The summer season is upon us and with the rising temperatures and the increasing number of outdoor activities, it is time to start thinking about protecting ourselves from the sun. We know that using sunscreen protects our skin, but the eyes are also vulnerable and prone to disease and degeneration if not properly protected. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can cause cataracts and macular degeneration, both of which are leading causes of blindness. Don't worry though, there is hope, sunglasses can protect 99-100 percent of ultraviolet rays. Just look for the label when purchasing your eye wear.

Leaves of Three Leave Them Be...
As most of you know, contact with Poison Ivy causes itching, burning, and redness of the skin. Did you know, however, that blisters can appear up to five days after contact, and even touching contaminated areas before they are thoroughly cleansed spreads the toxin? Some people experience headaches, fever, and large blisters. In addition, if the blisters are broken, a risk of bacterial infection is introduced. Read on for identification and treatment.
Identification of Poison Ivy:
The compound leaves of Poison Ivy consist of three pointed leaflets; the middle leaflet has a much longer stalk than the two side ones. It can appear as a ground cover, a shrub, or as a vine growing up a tree. The leaflet edges can be smooth or toothed but are rarely lobed. The leaves vary greatly in size from 8 to 55 mm in length. They are reddish when they emerge in the spring, turn green during the summer, and become various shades of yellow, orange, or red in the autumn. The fruit of Poison Ivy is greenish white in color.
Treatment:
First remove all contaminated clothing and footwear, and clean it carefully without direct skin contact. Residual plant oils on clothing can easily recontaminate unless thoroughly washed. Bathe pets who have come in contact too, for the sap can stay on them for many days. Wash all affected skin with strong soap and water followed by rubbing alcohol. Keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth, and face, and never scratch or rub the rash. The following can help ease itching and pain:
• Calamine lotion
• Zinc oxide ointment
• Paste made with baking soda - mix 3 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water
• Take a bath with lukewarm water and colloidal oatmeal
Over-the-counter antihistamines that contain diphenhydramine which is able to prevent the attachment of histamine to receptors on cells and thus, able to alleviate allergic itching.
In the woods it is often possible in the same habitat as Poison Ivy, to find Jewelweed (Spotted Touch-me-not), whose leaves may be crushed and immediately rubbed on affected skin to prevent the reaction.
If you are infected with Poison Ivy and experience swelling of throat, tongue or lips, difficulty breathing, dizziness, weakness, a very red rash in large areas, pus, or a rash that has spread to the mouth, eyes, or genitals, seek medical attention immediately.

Critters Everywhere
Summer is a time for fishing, biking, camping, swimming, and just about anything outdoors. Unfortunately, this also means pesky little critters such as mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks, and bees will be enjoying the weather with us.
The following suggestions can help you avoid and cope with some of the summer pests:
• Apply an insect repellent to clothes and skin.
• When entering wooded or tall grassy areas, keep clothing buttoned, tuck pant legs inside boots, and wear long sleeves.
• Bites and stings can cause minor swelling and itching that can be treated with cool compresses, over-the-counter oral antihistamines or hyrdrocortisone creams (use as directed). If possible, remove the stinger, but do not scratch the area. Calamine lotion can also ease itching.
Insect bites or stings that cause severe swelling at the site of the bite, a generalized rash, or any swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, require medical evaluation.
Ticks can carry Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. To aid in prevention, inspect your body twice a day when in a tick infested area. Pay close attention to armpits, neck, and groin areas.
If you discover ticks on your body, you can attempt to dislodge them with heavy oil, fingernail polish remover, or alcohol. Allow the solution to stand for one-half hour and remove the tick with tweezers. Once removed, wash the infected area and apply an antiseptic. If you cannot completely remove the tick or experience any problems, see a doctor.

Road Trip!
Many of you will be taking a vacation by vehicle this summer, and its important to make sure your vehicle is in excellent operating condition. Before departure, remember to check your tires (including spare), brakes, battery, lights, windshield wipers, muffler, and brake system. In case of an emergency, remember to pack some basic tools such as a jack, spare fuses, a first aid kit, a flashlight and some flares. Plan your itinerary with a reasonable number of miles each day, and make overnight arrangements in advance to ensure vacancy. Always have your drivers license, car registration, and insurance information handy.

Safety Manual Update

Several new policies have been approved by the Loss Control Policy Sub-Committee to be reviewed by the full committee. They are:

Sanitation-Recycling
Personal Protective Equipment(PPE)-Arm and Hand Protection
Construction Safety-General Construction Safety

The Safety and Loss Prevention Guide will also go to the Loss Control Committee for final review in July. Once policies are approved by the Loss Control Committee, they will be added to our web site, so check back often.


Box 9031
Grand Forks, ND 58202
Phone: (701)777-3341
Fax: (701)777-4132