The Elements

• Particularly for people who work outdoors, extreme heat or cold can cause accidental harm. While nature cannot be controlled, its damaging effects (i.e., heat stroke, frostbite and dehydration) can usually be prevented if employees take the necessary precautions. To protect from heat-related injury, precautions include continually drinking water on the job, avoiding over-exertion, applying sun block regularly and shielding eyes with a hat and sunglasses that have UV protection. To prevent frostbite in extremely cold working conditions, employees should wear layers of insulating material, such as wool or fleece, and not have any skin exposed.
  
  

Animals

• People can be harmed by animals while on the job whether they work directly or indirectly with them. Those who work directly with animals, such as researchers, zoo keepers, pet store owners and veterinarians, are at risk of incurring animal bites and scratches as well as contracting diseases. People who work in nature, such as tree planters and forest rangers, are indirectly at risk of animal attacks. People who work in these industries should be trained in how to deal with wild animal confrontations as well as how to treat people for animal bites and wounds.
  
  

Spontaneous Explosions

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has taken steps in recent years to increase awareness and prevention of combustible dust hazards in the workplace. Sources of ignition may include electrical outlets, industrial vehicles or metal tools laid on hard surfaces that produce sparks. Any of these triggers can cause an explosion if they come into contact with a layer of dust (including wood or metal.) To prevent this, surfaces in the workplace should be dusted regularly, including rafters and beams that may be out of sight but near an ignition source.
  
  

Falling Objects

• While improperly stacked objects cause preventable accidents, other objects that are harder to see coming can fall "out of the blue" in the workplace. For example, over time, constant weight on a lighting cable could cause a ceiling light to crash down. Regular safety inspections of older materials that support structures in your office can help lessen the chances of this type of accident.