On average, adults lose almost 10 cups of water a day simply by doing everyday tasks.  When we sweat, we also lose electrolytes, which are minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium that help maintain the proper balance of fluids in the body.

Key points to reducing your risk of dehydration:

1. Know the signs of dehydration, which include symptoms such as excessive thirst, sleepiness or tiredness, dry mouth. muscle weakness, headache, and dizziness or lightheadedness.
2. If you feel like you may be showing signs of dehydration, don’t ignore it! Immediately take a break and give yourself time to recover. Dehydration can lead to heat stroke or even death.
3. The best defense against dehydration is prevention.  Simply consume lots of fluids and foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables.
4. Determining how much fluid is complex because so much depends on age, physical condition, activity level, location, and body chemistry. The best approach is to make a conscious effort to stay hydrated.
5. The color of your urine is one of the best ways to tell how hydrated you are.  Dark yellow to amber urine means you may have mild to severe dehydration. You can usually tell you have healthy hydration levels if your urine is very light in color.  You may also urinate less than normal when dehydrated.
6. In hot weather, skip coffee or soda, or other caffeinated drinks and make water your beverage of choice. Consider supplementing water with sports drinks or fruits and vegetables to replenish electrolytes.
7. During periods of heavy exertion, stay cool and take frequent water breaks. Adjust your intake to match your activity level and working conditions.  A cup of water every 10 to 15 minutes might be necessary.

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, and Trillium Technical. With approximately 100 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a 2017 and 2018 winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

{Pictured Above: Trillium Construction field employees showcasing the proper use of sun protection while on the job site.}

For those of you that work outside for a living, protecting yourself from the harmful effects of constant exposure to the sun is extremely important. Trillium Construction’s Safety Committee put together some valuable information for anyone who will be working outdoors this year. Take heed of these recommendations and stay safe out there!

At one time or another we’ve all had a bad sunburn and we know how bad it can hurt. In addition, prolonged, unprotected exposure can damage your skin and cause premature lines, freckles, sun spots, and skin cancer.

The best way to protect your skin from UV light is by wearing a sunscreen when you are outside. Here are some sunscreen facts and tips:

• Using sunscreen can reduce your chances of burning but it is not going to allow you to spend unlimited time outdoors without risk of skin damage.
• Sunscreen must absorb into the skin to be effective. Apply it about 30 minutes prior to going into the sun so as to let the sunscreen absorb into the skin.
• It is widely recommended that people use sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15-30. An SPF of 30 can block up to 97% of the harmful UV rays. Going higher than 30 on SPF hasn’t shown to make a positive difference.
• Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 60-90 minutes, sooner if you’re in the water. (This is true even if you use “waterproof” sunscreen, as it is not truly waterproof, just water resistant.).
• Not all sunscreens protect you from UVA and UVB light. Check the label and use one that is protects the skin from both.
• You can get a sunburn through your clothes! For example, a white t-shirt gives only the same protection as a sunscreen with an SPF of 5; and it’s even less effective if it is wet.

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, and Trillium Technical. With approximately 100 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a 2017 and 2018 winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

Dress properly

• Wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing to insulate your body by trapping warm, dry air inside. Loosely woven cotton and wool clothes best trap air and resist dampness.
• The head and neck lose heat faster than any other part of the body. Your cheeks, ears and nose are the most prone to frostbite. Wear a hat, scarf and turtleneck sweater to protect these areas.
• Wear warm socks, insulated gloves and snow boots if possible

Frostbite: What to look for

• The extent of frostbite is difficult to judge until hours after thawing. There are two classifications of frostbite:
• Superficial frostbite is characterized by white, waxy or grayish-yellow patches on the affected areas. The skin feels cold and numb. The skin surface feels stiff and underlying tissue feels soft when depressed.
• Deep frostbite is characterized by waxy and pale skin. The affected parts feel cold, hard, and solid and cannot be depressed. Large blisters may appear after re-warming.

What to do

• Get the victim out of the cold and to a warm place immediately.
• Remove any constrictive clothing items that could impair circulation.
• If you notice signs of frostbite, seek medical attention immediately.
• Place dry, sterile gauze between toes and fingers to absorb moisture and to keep them from sticking together.
• Slightly elevate the affected part to reduce pain and swelling.
• If you are more than one hour from a medical facility and you have warm water, place the frostbitten part in the water (102 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit). If you do not have a thermometer, test the water first to see if it is warm, not hot. Re-warming usually takes 20 to 40 minutes or until tissues soften.
• What not to do
• Do not use water hotter than 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Do not use water colder than 100 degrees Fahrenheit since it will not thaw frostbite quickly enough.
• Do not rub or massage the frostbite area.
• Do not rub with ice or snow.

If Your Car Breaks Down in Winter

Remember these tips so you can act wisely in case of emergency. 7 Tips to help you survive in freezing temperatures.

Car breakdown?

• If you’re stranded in a car and can’t drive further, don’t get out. Call for help if your car broke down. Run the engine occasionally for warmth but keep a window Be sure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked by snow.

Run out of gas?

• f the car runs out of gas, keep all the windows shut. Stay on the lookout for help. Make sure your windows are cleared of snow so passing drivers can see that there’s someone in the car.

Stuck for a while?

• Exercise or move your arms and legs for warmth and keep yourself awake. Don’t go to sleep under any circumstances

Caught outside?

• f you’re caught outside while on foot, head to the nearest shelter. Tie a scarf over your nose and mouth to protect your ears and face and to prevent suffocation from the wind and snow.

Stuck in a snowbank?

• If your vehicle is really stuck, don’t wear yourself out shoveling it out, according to the News Wheel. Instead, save your energy and concentrate on staying warm.

Ice scraper breaks?

• Prepare for a broken ice scraper ahead of time by making sure to include a back-up scraper and brush in your vehicle. Even better, also invest in a windshield protector that will make de-icing much easier.

Getting thirsty?

• The last thing you want to do when you’re stranded is eat snow directly, according to the News Wheel. The energy your body expends warming up the snow makes it harder for you to retain body heat. If you happen to have an empty container, though, you can place snow inside of it and drink it after it melts.

We know you can work out in the elements, but for how long?

• Take breaks in shelters, away from the wind and cold
• Drink warm liquids slowly
• Make sure your clothes are dry. Take a change of clothes in your car
• Don’t forget to pack some extra socks
• Cover all skin safely possible
• Allow more time to commute to your destination
• Fill up with gas
• Have plenty of food, water & milk for several days

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Marine, Trillium Technical, Trillium Environmental, Trillium Hospitality and Trillium Techs. With approximately 100 offices nationwide and nearly 450 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

The Trillium Construction Safety Committee came up with a guide on how to recognize the different forms of heat illnesses and how to treat and even prevent them from occurring. Although these types of instances are typically more prevalent in individuals who work outside, everyone should be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat illness as they can effect a variety of individuals in many varying occupations and circumstances.

Heat stress is commonly associated with warm weather. It’s true that warm weather increases the number of heat-stress injuries and illnesses. Warm weather isn’t the only cause of heat stress. Heat stress can occur any time the surrounding temperature is elevated. Even if the weather is cool, you may work in warm areas, indoors or out. Be alert for conditions which could cause heat stress and take precautions to prevent it. Six main factors are involved in causing heat stress including temperature, humidity, movement of air, radiant temperature of the surroundings, clothing, and physical activity.

Common-sense precautions, such as dressing properly for the job, include wearing lightweight clothing which allows moisture to evaporate quickly; wearing reflective clothing or cooling suits for jobs which require them; and using extra caution if you are required to wear clothing on the job which limits evaporation–you could succumb to heat stress much more quickly.

The major heat stress injuries and illnesses are described here:

• Heat Rash is caused by a hot, humid environment and plugged sweat glands. It is a bumpy red rash which itches severely. It is not life-threatening but is very annoying. Dry clothes that help sweat evaporate will reduce the chance of heat rash. Washing regularly and keeping the skin clean and dry will help prevent heat rash.
• Heat Cramps are painful muscle cramps caused by a loss of body salt through excessive sweating. To help prevent heat cramps, drink plenty of non-alcoholic, caffeine-free fluids while working in a hot environment. Check with your doctor about the use of salt tablets. They may be recommended in some cases. Anyone suffering from heat cramps should be watched carefully for signs of more serious heat stress. If the cramps persist or other symptoms develop, seek medical attention immediately.
• Heat Syncope (pronounced “sin-co-pay”) is sudden fainting caused by a reduced blood flow to the head. The victim’s skin will be cool and moist and their pulse will be weak. Immediate medical attention is needed in the event of syncope.
• Heat Exhaustion results from inadequate salt and water intake and is a sign the body’s cooling system is not working properly. You will sweat heavily, your skin will be cool and moist, your pulse weak, and you will seem tired, confused, clumsy, irritable or upset, they may breathe rapidly–even pant–and their vision may be blurred. You may strongly argue that you are okay even with these obvious symptoms. If you suspect heat exhaustion, don’t talk yourself out of seeking immediate medical attention. The heat exhaustion will affect your ability to exercise good judgment. Until medical help arrives, try to cool the yourself and take sips of cool water until medical help arrives. Immediate medical attention is required. Heat exhaustion can quickly lead to heat stroke.
• Heat Stroke is the deadliest of all heat stress conditions. It occurs when the body’s cooling mechanism has shut down after extreme loss of salt and fluids. The body temperature will rise, your skin will be hot, red, and dry, pulse fast, and you may have headache or dizziness. You will probably be weak, confused, and upset. Later stages of heat stroke cause a loss of consciousness and may lead to convulsions. In the event of heat stroke, seek immediate medical attention. Until help arrives, try to cool yourself and take sips of cool water.

Constant hydration is the key to avoiding heat illness. Make sure whether you are on the job or off the job to drink plenty of water day and night. A person should drink at minimum 8 ounces of water per hour. DO NOT wait until you are thirsty to drink water, it might be too late to avoid heat illness.

Being aware of Heat Illness, it’s warning signs and ways to prevent it can go a long way in keeping you and your co-workers safe this Summer season. 

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Marine, Trillium Technical, Trillium Environmental, and Trillium Techs. With approximately 90 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a 2015 winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

1. Logging Workers- With a number of constantly changing factors including job location, surrounding hazards, wind speed, and less than predictable falling directions; logging workers have no doubt a dangerous occupation.

2. Fishing Related Occupations– Dangerous weather conditions, faulty equipment, and drownings all add to the safety threat for this group.

3. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers– Despite technology improvements and state of the art equipment, mechanical issues and inclement weather add to the dangers of the job.

4. Roofers– Improper use of PPE, extreme heights, faulty equipment, slips, falls, and dangerous job sites all add to the injury exposure for roofers.

5. Structural Iron and Steel Workers- Working at extreme heights while handling heavy materials, these employees have a large exposure to falls, slips, crushes, and welding related injuries.

Regardless of your occupation finding the appropriate PPE, safety training, and identifying hazards are key to remaining safe on the job. Even those working in seemingly “safe” jobs can be injured when not following safety protocol and being aware of  their surroundings.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of top level talent? Contact us today! If you are a stand out in your profession and seeking contingent or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

“There really are no accidents, awareness is the key! You don’t get injured because you are aware of the hazard,” commented Jamie Ellis, Safety Manager for Trillium.

Federal OSHA reports that eliminating the “Fatal Four” would have saved 468 lives in America in 2013 alone. Coincidentally enough, included in the top 3 most frequented cited violations for fiscal year 2014 for Federal OSHA included was Fall Protection and General Requirements for Scaffolding.

Several ways to reduce risk of injury and death in the work place due to the “Fatal Four” includes:

• Employing a Risk Management team.
• Having a structured safety program that includes training, refreshers, enforcement, and incentives.
• Safety committees dedicated to identifying hazards and ensuring jobsite safety.
• Screening potential hires for knowledge and commitment to safety protocol.
• Hiring only those who are qualified to perform the work safely.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of top level talent? Contact us today! If you are a stand out in your profession and seeking contingent or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.