Safe Work Procedure Template



INSERT LOGOTitle:Safe Work Practices & Procedure Natural Hazards – Flora and FaunaNo. Authorized By: Approved By:Issue Date: Risk Level: MEDPage Number: 1 of 13Description of Work:Outdoor workers are exposed to many types of hazards that depend on their type of work, geographic region, season, and duration of time they are outside. Employers should train outdoor workers about their workplace hazards, including hazard identification and recommendations for preventing and controlling their exposures.*This information does not take precedence over Saskatchewan Employment Act and the Occupational Health & Safety Regulations.Potential Hazards:WildlifeGrizzly/Black Bears, Coyotes, & CougarsMoose & ElkRattlesnakesPlantsWater HemlockPoison IvyInsects:Bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets.MosquitoesTicksSpiders*This Safe Work Procedure covers most hazards found in nature, but not all. For more hazards and more in- depth information contact Centre for Disease Control and Prevention ().Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required (Check the box for required PPE):GlovesFace MasksEye ProtectionWelding MaskAppropriate FootwearHearing ProtectionProtective ClothingOther PPE: As required by surrounding area wear all required PPE (face mask, gloves, ear protection, and weather appropriate clothing). Always wear appropriate footwear and high visibility clothing while working alone or around machinery.Safe Work Procedure Checklist:1. Flora and Fauna:Flora and fauna refer to plant and wildlife, respectively. The term is often used to refer to the indigenous plant and wildlife of a geographical region. Both are collective terms, referring to groups of plant or wildlife specific to a region or a time period. For example, the flora and fauna of a warm region may consist of tropical to warm-temperate vegetation and exotic species of birds.INSERT LOGOTitle:Safe Work Practices & Procedure Natural Hazards – Flora and FaunaNo. Authorized By: Approved By:Issue Date: Risk Level: MEDPage Number: 2 of 13Wildlife:Saskatchewan’s wide-open spaces make for wildlife’s paradise, from burrowing owls, elk, songbirds and white tailed deer. The old saying of “let nature be” should be a golden rule with any living wildlife. Some of the more dangerous animals found within Saskatchewan are:Grizzly & Black BearsCoyotesCougarIf you see any of the above-mentioned animals in yourimmediate area seek cover inside a building or vehicle and call 911 immediately.If it notices you before you can seek shelter you must stay calm and back away slowly. If the animal advances speak to the animal in a calm and firm voice to back off and make yourself BIG. Utilize bear spray if necessary.MooseElkIf the above-mentioned animal is responding to your presence – you are too close.Give them plenty of room. Keep at a distance of at least 3 bus lengths.Do not approach animal or their calves.If you are charged by an elk, position yourself behind a solid structure such as a tree or car.If you have bear spray consider using it.RattlesnakesGenerally, not aggressive, rattlesnakes strike when threatened or deliberately provoked, but given room they will retreat. Most snake bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally touched by someone walking or climbing. The majority of snakebites occur on the hands, feet and ankles.Precautions:Wear appropriate over-the-ankle hiking boots, thick socks, and loose-fitting long pants. Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through wild areas.Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide during the day.Look at your feet to watch where you step and do not put your foot in or near a crevice where you cannot see.??Avoid approaching any snake you cannot positively identify as a safe species.If you hear the warning rattle, move away from the area and do not make sudden or threatening movements in the direction of the snake.Remember rattlesnakes do not always rattle before they strike!Do not handle a freshly killed snake - it can still inject venom.INSERT LOGOTitle:Safe Work Practices & Procedure Natural Hazards – Flora and FaunaNo. Authorized By: Approved By:Issue Date: Risk Level: MEDPage Number: 3 of 13First Aid:Stay calmCall Dispatch via radio or 911Wash the bite area gently with soap and water if available o Remove watches, rings, etc., which may constrict swelling o Immobilize the affected areaKeep the bite below the heart if possibleTransport safely to the nearest medical facility immediatelyDo not make incisions over the bite wound.Do not restrict blood flow by applying a tourniquet.Do not ice the wound.Do not suck the poison out with your mouth.*If bitten by any type of wildlife consult with a medical professional about the potential of rabies.Plants:Water Hemlock:Water hemlock (Cicuta spp.) is one of the most deadly poisonous plants in North America. It contains a toxin called cicutoxin, a violent convulsant, which acts as a stimulant in the central nervous system. Ingestion of hemlock can be fatal and symptoms can occur 15 minutes to 6 hours after the plant has been ingested.Symptoms:Seizures and muscle twitchesNausea and vomitingIncreased pulseExcessive salivation or frothing at the mouth,Dilation of the pupilsDeaths usually occur from respiratory paralysis a few hours after ingestionFirst Aid:Call 911 or get medical treatment immediately.Specific chemical injections are required to counteract the effects of nicotine poisoning.INSERT LOGOTitle:Safe Work Practices & Procedure Natural Hazards – Flora and FaunaNo. Authorized By: Approved By:Issue Date: Risk Level: MEDPage Number: 4 of 13Poison Ivy:Poison ivy is a plant that can cause a red, itchy rash called allergic contact dermatitis (skin). It is the most common skin problem caused by contact with plants.Typically grows as a vine or shrub and it grow in open fields, wooded areas, on the roadside, and along riverbanks. It can also be found in urban areas, such as parks or backyards. Poison ivy plants typically have leaf arrangements that are clustered in groups of three leaflets, though this can vary. The colour and shape of the leaves may also vary depending upon the exact species, the local environment, and the time of year. The plant may have yellow or green flowers, and white to green-yellow berries, depending on the season.Symptoms:Red rash within a few days contactPossible bumps, patches, streaking or weeping blisters (blister fluids are not contagious)SwellingItchingBurning sensationFirst Aid:Immediately rinse skin with rubbing alcohol, poison plant wash or degreasing soap (such as dishwashing soap) or detergent and lots of water. Rinse frequently so that was solutions do not dry on the skin and further spread the plant sap oil (urushiol).Scrub under nails with a brushApply wet compresses, calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the skin to reduce itching and blistering. Oatmeal baths may relieve the itching.An antihistamine may help relieve the itching by may cause drossiness.If rash is server or coving large portions of the body seek professional medical attention.If contact caused anaphylaxis call 911 or go to the hospital room immediately.oRemember:To cover up exposed skin while walking in tall grass areas.If you do not know the plant, do not handle or brush up against it.Do not eat unknown plants.“Leaves of three, let it be”INSERT LOGOTitle:Safe Work Practices & Procedure Natural Hazards – Flora and FaunaNo. Authorized By: Approved By:Issue Date: Risk Level: MEDPage Number: 5 of 13Insects:Bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets:Stinging insects such as various types of wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and bees, are common summertime pests and their stings can be more than just a painful nuisance. The Natural Pest Management Association reports that stinging insects send more than half a million people to the emergency room every year. Those with allergies to stings are most at risk, although anyone can be affected if a large number of stinging insects swarm and sting at once.Symptoms:PainRedness and Swelling in area of stingFlushingHivesItchingAnaphylaxisFirst Aid:If the insect’s stinger is still embedded in their skin, remove it by gently scraping a flat edges object, such as a credit card, across their skin. Avoid using tweezers to remove the stinger, since squeezing may release more venom.Wash the area of the bite with soap and waterPlace a cold compress or ice pack on the area for about 10 minutes at a time to help reduce pain and swelling. Wrap any ice or ice packs in a clean cloth to protect their skin.Apply Calamine lotion or past of baking soda and water to the area several times a day to help relieve itching and paid. Calamine lotion is a type of antihistamine.Encourage them to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or if symptoms grow beyond redness and itching. If you suspect the person to be having any types of allergic reaction seek professional medical help immediately by calling 911.INSERT LOGOTitle:Safe Work Practices & Procedure Natural Hazards – Flora and FaunaNo. Authorized By: Approved By:Issue Date: Risk Level: MEDPage Number: 6 of 13Mosquitos:Mosquitoes are small insects that bite. Because their bites can also cause itchiness and irritation, many people try to avoid them. Only female mosquitoes feed on animal or human blood. They need blood in order to produce eggs.Though the loss of blood is seldom of any importance to the victim, the saliva of the mosquito often causes an irritating rash that is a serious nuisance. Much more serious though, are the roles of many species of mosquitoes as vectors of diseases. In passing from host to host, some transmit extremely harmful infections such as malaria, yellow fever, Chikungunya, West Nile virus, dengue fever, filariasis, Zika virus and other arboviruses, rendering it the deadliest animal family in the world.Minor Symptoms:A puffy, white and reddish bump that appears a few minutes after the bite.A hard, itchy, reddish-brown bump, or multiple bumps, appearing a day or so after the bite or bites.Small blisters instead of hard bumpsDark spots that look life bruises.Severe Symptoms:A large area of swelling and rednessLow-grade feverHivesAbdominal crampsSwelling of face, lips or throatBreathing problemsShockSwollen lymph nodes.First Aid:If mosquito bites seem to be associated with more-serious warning signs (such as fever, headache, body aches and signs of infection) contact a medical professional.Wash the area of the bite with soap and waterPlace a cold compress or ice pack on the area for about 10 minutes at a time to help reduce pain and swelling. Wrap any ice or ice packs in a clean cloth to protect their skin.Apply Calamine lotion or past of baking soda and water to the area several times a day to help relieve itching and paid. Calamine lotion is a type of antihistamine.I symptoms grow beyond redness and itching or if you suspect the person to be having any types of allergic reaction seek professional medical help immediately by calling 911.INSERT LOGOTitle:Safe Work Practices & Procedure Natural Hazards – Flora and FaunaNo. Authorized By: Approved By:Issue Date: Risk Level: MEDPage Number: 7 of 13TicksTicks are small arachnids. Ticks are ectoparasites (external parasites), living by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. Almost all ticks belong to one of two major families, the Ixodidae or hard ticks, which are difficult to crush, and the Argasidae or soft ticks. Adults have ovoid or pear- shaped bodies which become engorged with blood when they feed, and eight legs. As well as having a hard shield on their dorsal surfaces, hard ticks have a beak-like structure at the front containing the mouthparts whereas soft ticks have their mouthparts on the underside of the body. Both families locate a potential host by odour or from changes in the environment.Ticks are implicated in the transmission of a number of infections causedby pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Sometimes the tick harbours more than one type of pathogen, making diagnosis of the infection more difficult.Same tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease and Q fever, Colorado tick fever, tick-borne relapsing fever, , and tick-borne meningoencephalitis.Some immediate symptoms that infrequently or rarely develop during or immediately after a tick bite may be:Fever Shortness of breathWeakness and/or achinessVomitingSwelling at the bite site and/or lymph nodesHeadacheConfusionPalpitationWeakness or paralysis*Individuals with these symptoms should be seen immediately by a doctor.INSERT LOGOTitle:Safe Work Practices & Procedure Natural Hazards – Flora and FaunaNo. Authorized By: Approved By:Issue Date: Risk Level: MEDPage Number: 8 of 13Tick Removal & First Aid:Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible.Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don't twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.If possible, seal the tick in a container or a zip lock bag and tape the end permanently closed. Place tick in the freezer. Your doctor may want to see the tick if you develop signs or symptoms of illness after a tick bite.Spiders:Spiders are air-breathing arthropods that have eight legs and chelicerae with fangs that inject venom.Saskatchewan has recorded about 455 species of spiders, and just over 600 species are estimated for the province. There are twenty families in the province, including eleven families that are specialized web-builders. The major web-building families include the orb-web weavers, funnel web weavers, and cobweb weavers. Another 9 families are hunting spiders, including crab spiders, wolf spiders, sac spiders, jumping spiders, ground spiders, nursery web spiders, and lynx spiders.Dangerous Spiders:Hobo Spidero To the left is a picture of a Hobo Spider bite. About 50% of Hobo Spider bites are 'dry,' meaning that no venom is injected and nothing happens to the victim. In fact, often times the victim does not even realize that he has been bit.INSERT LOGOTitle:Safe Work Practices & Procedure Natural Hazards – Flora and FaunaNo. Authorized By: Approved By:Issue Date: Risk Level: MEDPage Number: 9 of 13When venom is injected, the victim will experience an immediate redness which develops around the bite then begins to disappear within a few hours. Very often, for the first 24 hours, the bite appears to be no worse than that of a mosquito; then it begins to blister in the center. Within 24 to 36 hours the blister breaks open, leaving an open, oozing ulceration.This ulceration 'scabs' over within three weeks from the initial bite, leaving a permanent scar. If the bite is delivered in fatty tissue, the lesion may be very deep and extensive, not healing for over two or three years.Systemic reactions to Hobo Spider poisoning include:Severe headachesNausea and vomitingSoreness and flu-like symptoms.In extreme cases where the bite was not taken care of early, skin graft, amputation, and the possibility of bone marrow failure may occur.First Aid:If someone if bitten by a spider, be calm and clean the wound thoroughly to avoid infectionApply antibiotics or give tetanus shot if you have them on hand.If the wound does not heal, see the doctor immediately. It is important to catch the spider — dead or alive — so a doctor or medical professional can administer the appropriate antidote, medicine, or spider bite treatment.Black WidowBlack widows are notorious spiders identified by the coloured, hourglass-shaped mark on their abdomens. Several species answer to the name, and they are found in temperate regions around the world.Black widows are shiny black in colour. Most black widow spiders’ bodies are 3 to 10 mm in size. Females are larger than males and can measure 13 mm in body length. Black widows produce messy, irregular webs. Webs usually are located near ground level and under a protected ledge such as under lawn furniture or wood piles.INSERT LOGOTitle:Safe Work Practices & Procedure Natural Hazards – Flora and FaunaNo. Authorized By: Approved By:Issue Date: Risk Level: MEDPage Number: 10 of 13Minimal to sharp pain followed by swelling and redness at the site of the biteOne or two small fang marks like tiny red spots.In some cases, severe symptoms appear within 30-60 minutes. These include:Muscle cramps and spams that start near the bite and then spread and increase in severity for 6-12 hours.Chills, fever, nausea, or vomitingSweatingSevere belly, back, or chest painHeadacheStupor, restlessness, or shockSevere high blood pressureFirst Aid:Get medical help immediately. Call your doctor, hospital, or poison control centreRemain calm. Too much excitement or movement will increase the flow of venom into the blood.Apply ice to the bite area.Do not apply a tourniquet. It may cause more harm than benefit.Try to positively identify the spider or catch it to confirm its type.Brown Recluse SpiderBrown recluse, violin, or fiddle-back spiders are about 1.25 cm (0.5 in.) long with a dark violin-shaped mark on the combined head and midsection.Brown recluses often hide in dark, secluded places, like under porches or deep in closets. The brown recluse thrives in man-made areas, and may be found under trash cans, tires, etc. It is primarily nocturnal and lays its eggs from May to July.INSERT LOGOTitle:Safe Work Practices & Procedure Natural Hazards – Flora and FaunaNo. Authorized By: Approved By:Issue Date: Risk Level: MEDPage Number: 11 of 13The bite may sting at first, but symptoms usually don’t develop for several hours. You may feel pain, burning or itching around the site of the bite. The area may also become red.Bites are characterized by a unique pattern of discoloration around the bite. The site of the bite may turn a deep purple or blue colour and be surrounded by a whitish ring and a larger red area. There may also be a dark blister or ulcer by the bite. In some cases, the ulcer caused by the bite can persist and grow for weeks.More severe symptoms include:FeverNauseaIntense itching at the site of the biteRashChillsGeneral discomfortSweatingJoint painFeeling weakSeizures or coma (rare)First Aid:Get medical help immediately. Call your doctor, hospital, or poison control centreRemain calm. Too much excitement or movement will increase the flow of venom into the blood.Apply ice to the bite area.Do not apply a tourniquet. It may cause more harm than benefit.Try to positively identify the spider or catch it to confirm its type.Toxic with Painful Bite Spiders:Wolf Spidero Wolf spiders are hairy arachnids that can grow up to 35 mm in body length. Their bodies are commonly patterned in black, gray and brown hues. Quick moving and relatively large in size, wolf spiders often inspire fear when they are found within human dwellings. Wolf spiders are also sometimes confused for tarantulas, nursery web and fishing spiders, and brown recluse spiders.INSERT LOGOTitle:Safe Work Practices & Procedure Natural Hazards – Flora and FaunaNo. Authorized By: Approved By:Issue Date: Risk Level: MEDPage Number: 12 of 13Wolf spiders do not spin webs and reside instead within burrows. These burrows may be open or sealed with silken doors. In rainy seasons, wolf spiders plug their burrows with pebbles and build turrets to deflect floodwater. Twigs may also be placed at the top of the burrow.At the onset of the fall season, wolf spiders seek warmer habitats and have been known to enter homes, where they are found in windows, doors, garages, basements and houseplants.A bite from a wolf spider is venomous but is not considered to be fatal. They are not like spider bites from the dangerous blackwidow, hobo, and brown recluse spider in terms of the damage and harm presented to humans.Symptoms:After being bitten, fang marks and tearing of the skin might be present, particularly if a large wolf spider is the culprit. Often, however, there is simply redness and swelling in the area.The number one sign of being bitten by a wolf spider is generally the pain that comes with it. The pain may last for up to 10 days together with swelling in the surrounding area, and swelling of the lymph glands. In some cases, the skin around the area of the bite may darken in color.In some severe cases, the bite can become infected and this can lead to complications. To prevent this from occurring, proper care and treatment of wolf spider bites must be implemented.First Aid:Like all wounds, bites from wolf spiders must be washed and cleaned. An antibiotic ointment may be applied to kill bacteria which may have been introduced by the wolf spider through its bite.Place a cool or cold towel over the area to minimize pain and swelling as well as the spread of the venom.Monitor the progress of symptoms and note any complications.In the case of high fever and development of other symptoms other than those in the table above, contact your physician as soon as possible.Take note of any tissue death or development of a lesion on the area around the bite. It might be possible that the spider has been misidentified. If so, seek immediate medical attention.INSERT LOGOTitle:Safe Work Practices & Procedure Natural Hazards – Flora and FaunaNo. Authorized By: Approved By:Issue Date: Risk Level: MEDPage Number: 13 of 13Forms Associated with this PolicyINSERT APPLICABLE OHS LEGISLATION HERE IF REQUIRED ................
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