3 TRICKS TO KEEP YOUR GEAR DRY
Even on a Rainy Outdoor Weekend
Incoming clouds can really rain on a weekend camping trip. Getting wet isn’t just a nuisance; it can be dangerous in cold climates. Outdoor experts, like the instructors at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), know the tricks to keeping dry, even on the wettest days. Here are three tricks these pros swear by. 1. Line your pack with a plastic bag. Garbage bags are an easy and cost-effective way to waterproof your pack. As you’re preparing for your trip, put the garbage bag into your backpack first and place your sleeping bag,
clothing, and any other items that must stay dry inside it. Carefully twist and fold the bag inside your pack to close it up, place any items that are okay to get wet on top, and look forward to having dry, warm clothes. 2. Use your body heat to dry damp clothes. There’s nothing like getting to camp at the end of a hard hike and taking off your pack to finally relax. But if you got caught in a rainstorm or had to cross a river, you might not feel the same sense of relief. An effective way to dry wet socks and other clothes is to use your own body heat. Once you’ve changed into something dry, place wet socks between your layers of clothing, allowing them to warm and slowly dry. Insider Tip: While weight is a consideration for backpacking, it’s worth it to carry an extra pair of socks designated for sleeping so you’ll always have a dry pair to look forward to when you arrive at camp. 3. Suit up your sleeping bag. Moisture that collects in the night can lead to a damp sleeping bag, and you want to do everything you can to retain heat in wet weather. Get better sleep by using your rain jacket to further insulate your sleeping bag. Put your jacket around the end of your sleeping bag and zip it up, creating a heat trap that will keep your toes toasty. Insider Tip: Keep wet gear out of your tent whenever possible by storing it in the vestibule rather than the main space.
Happy trails, and stay dry out there!
A LOOK AT GEORGIA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW WHO’S COVERED?
While still far from perfect, Georgia workers’ compensation has evolved over the years from providing little protection for injured workers to an insurance program that provides medical, rehabilitation, or income benefits to those injured on the job who qualify. Here’s a look at how it’s changed in the last 100 years.
An Uphill Battle: What an Injured Worker in the Early 1900s Faced
Employees around the turn of the 20th century could file lawsuits, but these legal actions were generally unsuccessful. Trials were long and expensive, and injured workers often came away from the experience with no way of paying for medical bills and other costs. Both sides of the labor equation realized something big needed to change, and they eventually struck a bargain: Workers would relinquish their right to sue for injuries at work (with some exceptions) in exchange for guarantees of compensation. In 1920, the Georgia Legislature instituted the State Board of Workers’ Compensation to oversee this process. Today, the Board serves over 250,000 Georgia employers and over 3.8 million employees. It receives funding from self-insured employers and insurance company assessments. Any Georgia worker who is injured at work and who is covered under the law may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and physical therapy services, among other benefits. Georgia Workers’ Compensation Today
Georgia’s current workers’ compensation law applies to all employers with three or more full-time or part-time employees, including public corporations and nonprofits. Some categories of workers are exempt from the law, including federal government employees, farmers and farm hands, independent contractors, and railroad workers. Otherwise, the law allows employees with job-related injuries to receive specific benefits without regard for negligence or fault. It also provides employers with limited liability. Per state regulations, Georgia employers receive coverage for workers’ compensation either through private insurance companies or self-insurance programs. A worker’s rights under the workers’ compensation law disqualify him or her from taking other legal action against the employer in the event of a work-related injury. If you’ve been injured in a work-related incident and are unsure what to do next, turn to the team at Smith, Wallis & Scott. With over 80 years of combined experience looking out for Georgia workers, we will advocate for you and your rights to compensation.
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