July 2020 The WELLesley Employee

^{A Monthly Safety and Wellness Newsletter brought to you by The Town of Wellesley Employee Safety Committee}

Free COVID-19 Testing

The Commonwealth of MA is launching a strategic testing program in communities across Massachusetts that have continued to see a higher number of residents testing positive for COVID-19. This program will support the testing of asymptomatic individuals in these communities to help stop the spread of COVID-19. If you are a resident of one of these communities, even if you have no COVID symptoms, please get tested to help stop the spread:

Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Marlborough, and New Bedford

You do not have to be a resident of these towns to take advantage of the free testing at these sites.
This testing will be provided at no cost to you. Click here for more info: Stop the Spread

Going Out of State on Vacation?

If you are visiting another state (except for New England states, NY, NJ), you must quarantine for 14 days upon return to MA. Please contact your supervisor and Human Resources.

First Aid Kits

Your home and office should have a first aid kit available. The Red Cross has great tips on how to Make a First Aid Kit

Heat-related Illnesses and First Aid

Heat stroke, the most serious form of heat-related illness, happens when the body becomes unable to regulate its core temperature. Sweating stops and the body can no longer rid itself of excess heat. Signs include confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that may result in death! Call 911 immediately.

Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to loss of water and salt from heavy sweating. Signs include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, and heavy sweating.

Heat cramps are caused by the loss of body salts and fluid during sweating. Low salt levels in muscles cause painful cramps. Tired muscles—those used for performing the work—are usually the ones most affected by cramps.

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is skin irritation caused by sweat that does not evaporate from the skin. Heat rash is the most common problem in hot work environments.

The chart below shows symptoms and first aid measures to take if a worker shows signs of a heat-related illness.

Where do I get medical care if hurt at work?

For emergencies, dial 911. For urgent and minor injuries, please contact BID-Needham Occupational Health Center 781-453-8440 to notify them that you are coming, or to make an appointment. Please bring your job description with you, or notify the Workers’ Comp Coordinator and your job description will be sent to BID-Needham. Please see our Workers’ Compensation page for more info!

Upcoming Training

Click to see MIIA Training Calendar

Do you have an event or training that you would like to make available to all employees? Please contact Jen Glover jglover@wellesleyma.gov