The arrival of summer means the hiring of seasonal employees and different potential hazards for communities. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Check work regulations, conduct background checks, and obtain proper certification for minors, seasonal workers and volunteers.
• Provide proper safety training, and teach the proper use of personal protective equipment and motorized equipment.
• Be diligent about pool, beach, park and playground safety.
• Remind employees about summer storm and lightning safety.
• Be prepared to identify and treat heat stress, insect bites, poison ivy, sunburn, and Lyme disease.
• Make sunscreen available for outdoor workers.
Also, don't forget about the appropriate labor and safety laws.
For questions about wages or child labor laws:
• Attorney General, Fair Labor and Business Practices Division, (617) 727-3465, www.ago.state.ma.us
• U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, (617) 624-6700, www.dol.gov/esa/whd
For questions about health and safety:
• U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration: (617) 565-8810 (Methuen office); (617) 565-6924 (Braintree office); (413) 785-0123 (Springfield office); www.osha.gov
• Department of Public Health, Occupational Health Surveillance Program, (617) 624-5632, www.state.ma.us/dph/bhsre/ohsp/ohsp.htm
• Department of Industrial Accidents, (800) 323-3249, ext. 470, www.state.ma.us/dia

For more information, contact MIIA Loss Control Manager Jeff Siena.