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Dangers for outdoor workers in Minnesota

On Behalf of | Sep 17, 2021 | Work Injuries, Workplace Accidents, Workplace Injuries, Workplace Safety |

A physically demanding job can increase your chances of injury at work, and if you work outdoors for all or even part of the day your risks increase. Weather conditions can affect working conditions, making injuries from the heat of the sun or the bite of the cold more common.

Seasonal dangers

Minnesota winters are harsh, so you should take extra precautions to protect yourself from the elements, especially if you work outside during these cold months. Aside from the low temperatures wreaking havoc on your body in the form of hypothermia and frostbite, icy conditions create slip and fall hazards.

Summer months bring their own set of potential dangers. Sunburn, dehydration and heatstroke can impact you if you spend too long outside in high temperatures. Thunderstorms and tornados increase in the late spring and early summer, making these months dangerous for outdoor workers without access to immediate shelter.

Year-round concerns

While some potential hazards change from season to season, others stay constant throughout the year. In cooler temperatures, people often forget to make drinking water a priority, but dehydration can happen in any weather.

Depending on your job duties and specific location within Minnesota, there are also potential risks due to bugs and animals. The venomous Timber Rattlesnake and Northern Widow Spider often live in wooded and rural areas. You could also encounter bison, black bears, and coyotes if your job brings you close to their habitats.

Keep an eye out for potential danger and take the proper precautions when you work outdoors in any weather.

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