Preparing safely for spring festivals in the parks
Now that spring is finally here, many families in Denver will start going outside more often and are starting to look up upcoming recreational activities. The Mile High City has plenty of outdoor events and celebrations in the next few months such as the Rodeo All-Star Weekend, the Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival and the annual Cinco de Mayo Festival.
With so many residents starting to get spring fever, many festival workers, volunteers and employees of Denver’s Parks and Recreation Board have a lot to prepare for. While they get so preoccupied with ensuring that all attendees have a safe and fun time, they can occasionally neglect their personal safety and risk getting an injury on the job. If you are working at some of these events, you should know the most common injuries these employees get on the job so you can avoid spending the springtime in a hospital bed.
Plan for storms
Spring is one of the most popular times of the year for lightning and thunderstorms. The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) advises park workers to plan for the weather well ahead, stockpile supplies and designate tasks in the event of an emergency. Some workers may need to turn off machines and appliances to avoid any damage they could do unsupervised, while others could advise guests on where to go for shelter until the storm subsides.
If you are blindsided by an incorrect forecast, don’t panic. Ask your supervisors or coworkers on what you should do and where you should go during a heavy thunderstorm. While it is important to act quickly, try to avoid rushing your tasks too much so you don’t slip on the wet grass and concrete.
Don’t overheat
It can be awkward for many to start adjusting to the warmer temperatures. Colorado’s winters tend to linger longer than they should, so some are still not used to days where it will randomly jump up 20 degrees in March or April. Unfortunately, working outdoors can be very punishing for those that put too many layers on.
Park workers should review OSHA’s guides on how to identify and treat heat-related illnesses as the temperatures start rising. OSHA advises employees to put victims in cooler areas such as the shade or in a room with an air conditioner, have them drink cold water to rehydrate and make sure they take as much time as they need before they get back to work or go home to recover.
Check faulty ground and equipment
Many parks aren’t often quite the same after harsh winters. The snow may have altered the terrain and equipment that both staff and visitors use at the park. If an employee spots something like a broken pathway or an uneven bench, they should attempt to remedy the situation or inform their supervisors so they can begin warning others in the area.
Spring can be one of the most uplifting times of the year after the cold, dark winters in Denver. While you should make sure that visitors and workers are having a safe and fun time, you should try not to neglect your own personal safety. If you receive an injury on the job, contact an attorney with experience in workers’ compensation to help you get the recovery you need.
