Safety Alerts & Info

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Parent Category: Safety

Spring is here and Summer is right around the corner; with warmer weather comes mowing, weed eating and brush pulling. County Claims of Oklahoma noticed in the past with the season change there is an increase in poison ivy exposure claims. If you or an employee who believes you were exposed to poison ivy while at work, please report it immediately by filing a FORM 2 ‘First Notice of Injury’ and pursuing medical treatment. 

Identifying poison ivy can be a little tricky. We all have heard the saying “leaves of three, let it be” so I recommend if the plant has three leaflets, stay away. There are several other identifying factors to remember: the middle leaf has a longer stalk than the other two leaves are fatter near their base, no thorns along the stem, clusters of greens, white berries or yellow/green flowers may be present and leaflets are all about the same size.

It’s a good idea to learn how to recognize and avoid poison ivy. Here are some samples on how to avoid exposure if you have to make contact with Poison Ivy. You must wear long pants, shirts with sleeves, boots and gloves. If possible apply Ivy-Block to exposed areas. 

After you have been exposed to poison ivy you can develop symptoms within 8 hours; symptoms can include itchy rash, red bumps that are often in a straight line and or blisters that are filled with liquid. Symptoms can worsen over time if not treated. 

We, at County Claims of Oklahoma/ACCO, understand that with the job duties performed by County employees, you might not be able to avoid exposure to poison ivy. 

Therefore, if you contracted poison ivy while at work, contact your supervisor as soon as possible.