Summertime Blues

Summer is the time to enjoy time away from work, socialize with friends and family and participate in activities we enjoy. Unfortunately, for many people, summer fun turns into avoidable tragedy.

Just as with on the job activities, risk evaluations need to be considered for off-the-job fun. Mowing the lawn in flip-flops? Bad idea. Knocking that wasp nest down with a broom? Ditto. Adding extra charcoal lighter fluid to burning coals? Fuggedaboutit! Doing any of these activities while drinking? Do you really want a quick trip to the emergency room?

Dr. Ryan Stanton, a medical director and emergency room doctor in Lexington, Ky., and spokesperson for the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), says that emergency rooms transition in early spring from visits related to infectious diseases to trauma-related injuries, many of which involve alcohol.

“People jump in their cars with the windows open, tops down, radio blaring and unfortunately, alcohol is a factor. Boating accidents, jet ski accidents … alcohol often is a factor there too,” says Stanton. Other summer injuries he sees in the ER are related to sun exposure, weekend warrior activities like softball and rollerblazding, food poisoning, fireworks and pools.

“A study just came out that indicated that portable pools are just as dangerous as large pools. The number of kids who drown in pools is staggering,” says Stanton. “Portable pools should be drained as soon as you’re done using them and larger pools should have a fence around them that can be locked.

Here are some additional tips from our experts to help make your summer safer and avoid the emergency room.

Cookout Catastrophes

With more Americans lighting their grills than ever before, it’s important to remember that a fun barbecue is a safe barbecue. “People grill out because the food tastes better and they enjoy it,” says Leslie Wheeler, spokesperson for the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA). “They are grilling out every day, so they need to be reminded of safety every day.”

Remember, anytime you work with fire, there’s a chance of getting burned, so take precautions and don’t be stupid, says Stanton. “Lighter fluid and charcoal… Every man has said, ‘Hey, watch this!’ with lighter fluid and charcoal. We see a lot of barbecue-related burns in the ER,” he notes.

HPBA offers these safety tips to guide you through the grilling process:

Read the owner’s manual – Always read the owner’s manual before using your grill and follow specific usage, assembly and safety procedures. Contact the grill manufacturer if you have specific questions.

Grills are for outside only – Never barbecue in your trailer, tent, house, garage or any enclosed area, because carbon monoxide may accumulate and kill you.

Use your grill in an open area – Place your grill in an open area that is away from buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves or brush.

Keep the grill stable – When using a barbecue grill, be sure that all parts of the unit are firmly in place and that the grill cannot tip over.

Use long-handled utensils and/or barbecue mitts – Use barbecue utensils with long handles (forks, tongs, etc.) and wear barbecue mitts to avoid burns and splatters.

Wear safe clothing – “Kiss the cook” aprons are fun, but wear clothing that does not have hanging shirttails, frills or apron strings that can catch fire, and use flame-retardant mitts when adjusting hot vents.