Summer is here and while you are most likely prepared for all the fun things this presents, are you ready for hazards that come with the summer months as well?
MEGT will provide regular safety tips across the summer months to help you Think SAFE, Work SAFE and Arrive Home SAFE.
Healthy eating
Festive eating can be brutal on our bodies. But with a bit of know-how, you can survive the holiday season without tossing all your health goals out the window.
- Cook your food in non-stick pans and use oven bags for roasting
- Create sensational looking and tasting salads
- Have just a small portion of dessert
To eat or not to eat those leftovers
Experts provide this two-four-out rule of thumb for any risky foods such as cooked meats, seafood, or dairy products which have been in the temperature danger zone of 5°C to 60°C:
Less than two hours
If food has been out for less than two hours it can be kept and put in the fridge for another time.
Two to four hours
If food has been out for two to four hours, either use it straight away or bin it.
Longer than four hours
If it’s been longer than four hours, the experts recommend you don’t risk eating it at all, but toss it out.
SunSmart
Extreme weather conditions in Australia puts everyone at risk during the summer months with UV radiation and extreme heat causing many health problems.
There are some things you can do to help yourself stay healthy and safe. Remember to look out for neighbours and loved ones and remember that a sunburn or tan may fade, but your skin remembers. Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.
SLIP
Slip on protective clothing. One of the best barriers between your skin and the sun is clothing. Long pants and shirts with a collar and long sleeves are best.
SLOP
Slop on sunscreen. SunSmart recommends SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen.
SLAP
Slap on a hat. Broad brimmed and bucket hats provide the best sun protection for the face, head, ears and neck
SEEK
Seek out shade. Well designed and positioned shade can significantly reduce UV exposure as well as create cool, comfortable spaces.
SLIDE
Slide on sunglasses. Try to protect your eyes all year round by wearing sunglasses
Heat and extreme weather conditions
Spending time in the great Australian outdoors is an Aussie tradition during the summer months, and it brings with it some unique hazards and risks. Be prepared, have a safe summer.
Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature
- Be SunSmart and drink plenty of fluids
- Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles
- Stay indoors as much as possible & limit exposure
to the sun, humidity and heat
Marine and aquatic safety
- Never swim alone, after consuming alcohol or when tired
- Don’t dive in unfamiliar water or where you can not see the bottom
- Do not operate boats, jet skis or other aquatic machinery under the influence of alcohol
- Don’t touch marine stingers (jellyfish, bluebottles, sea urchins etc)
- Observe all warning signs
- Avoid rough ocean conditions
- Wear Australian Standard floatation devices when boating
- Swim between the flags and inside stinger / shark nets
- Enter the water slowly to give marine stingers time to swim away
Insects and outdoor creatures
- Mossies bite! Cover up and use insect repellent
- Leave snakes alone; wear long pants and sturdy shoes in the bush and make lots of noise
- Avoid tick and spider bites. Wear long clothing, sturdy shoes and if you are gardening wear gloves
- If you are bitten by a snake, spider, tick or unknown insect seek medical attention
Safety outdoors
- Use helmets and pads for biking, skating and scooters
- When bush-walking let others know your route; carry mobile phones and maps; pack clothing to match conditions; plenty of water and other food
- Inspect backyard swing sets and tree houses for structural soundness
- Clean away long grass and other debris to reduce fire hazards and the likelihood for snakes and spiders
- Check your BBQ gas bottle and hose for leaks with soapy water before you use it