As a Sonoma County design-build contractor, Details Landscape Art 
is safety conscious. We recommend and practice the following weather related safety guidelines.
Working in the sun:
- Drink fluids throughout the workday – stay hydrated.
- Wear protective clothing to avoid direct exposure to the sun. Even with long sleeves, the proper shirt will keep you cooler than no shirt.
- Hats are good as long as they have ventilation. Your head is an important part of the body for heat regulation.
- Excessive heat produces stress on the body. If you start to feel stressed or develop mild cramps, get into the shade to cool down.
- Drink cool – not cold fluids.
- Heat exhaustion is serious. Heavy perspiration, headache, dizziness and nausea are the symptoms. If you’re tired and stressed, take a break.
- Don’t drink alcohol in the heat, on or off the jobsite. Even coffee, tea and sodas aren’t good – they dehydrate. Water is the best.
- Always wear sunscreen on unprotected skin.
- Don’t leave flammable liquids or rags in the direct sun.
Weather related safety guidelines apply also to…
Working in cold weather:
- Wear layers of clothes. As the temperature changes throughout the day you can adjust your clothing as necessary.
- Don’t overdress – too much clothing will cause you to perspire and when you slow down wet clothes will cause you to become colder.
- Man-made fabrics are good next to your body because they don’t absorb moisture. Don’t wear clothing such as cotton because it will hold moisture against your skin when wet.
- Cotton or wool garments are good for the insulative layer of clothing to keep you warm.
- Wear wind and waterproof clothes on the outside.
- Cover your head – major heat loss occurs here.
- Mittens – not gloves- keep your hands warmer. If you need to use your fingers, however, gloves are better.
- Wear two pairs of socks.
- Protect your ears from cold and draft. Beanies are great for covering both head and ears.
- Drink fluids during the day. You need liquids when it is cold just as you would when it is hot.
- Remember to start heavy work after having moved around and warmed up the muscles.
Working in wet weather:
- Avoid working or walking in areas that are very wet or flooded.
- Be careful when walking on slopes. Walk slower than usual, planting each foot firmly, and moving diagonally – not straight up or down the slope.
- Walk slowly and watch your footing when climbing ladders or stairs.
- Mowers will clog easier when cutting wet grass. Empty the grass catcher more often and make sure the mower is shut off, the blade has stopped turning before you clean the grass chute.
- Remember – wet grass and debris is heavier than usual. Tarps and wheelbarrows are much heavier when loaded with wet grass or debris. Do not fill them up, and ask for help when lifting.
- Pay more attention than usual to your footing.
- Because it is very easy to slip and fall on wet surfaces, carry lighter loads, and ask for help.
- Wear boots with non-skid soles. Keep the boots oiled and waterproofed to keep your feet dry.
The above weather related safety guidelines are common sense suggestions that are useful to promote a safer employee work environment.