Warm weather is here again, and for crews who work outdoors, that means it’s time to start discussions surrounding summer safety. From sunburns, to dehydration and even heat stroke, warm weather presents a unique set of on-the-job hazards. By highlighting potential dangers and educating your team about the best ways to approach their work, you can help them stand poised for success all season long. Here are a few summer safety tips aimed at helping your team remain healthy — and keeping your jobs ready to roll.
Ease into Hot Weather Work
As the summer heat sets in, it’s important to allow one’s body to slowly adjust to changing conditions. Encourage your team members to take added breaks during the first few hot-weather workdays, and then slowly work their way up to full capacity. You might also consider shifting schedules, so crews are carrying out their work during cooler times of day.
Encourage Crew Members to Pace Themselves
Regular breaks are important even after the body has acclimated to the heat. We recommend setting work up near areas with adequate shade in the form of large trees, building awnings and the like, so crew members can sit and cool down when needed. If that isn’t possible, consider packing portable canopies that can travel with you to job sites — or allowing team members to cool down inside an air-conditioned company vehicle.
Tell Team Members to Hydrate Early and Often
When it comes to summer safety, water consumption is key to helping your team members avoid dehydration. Remind workers to pause for a drink of cool water every 20 minutes or so, even if they aren’t thirsty. If you find it difficult to remember this important step, consider setting cell phone alarms to go off at regular intervals to jog the memory.
Suit Up in Summertime PPE
Although we regularly associate personal protective equipment (PPE) with items such as eye protection, work gloves and boots, summer safety calls for its own take on things. Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts and broad-spectrum sunscreens help safeguard team members against uncomfortable burns and even skin cancer. Don’t forget sunglasses with proper UV protection.
These summer safety tips are all aimed at keeping your team safe and healthy on the job site, so you can continue carrying out your clients’ work. Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list of advice. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers a wide range of tips focused specifically on summer safety. From how to spot and react to signs of heat stress, to understanding which workers might be more susceptible to heat-related illness and even what your responsibilities are as an employer, their website is a wealth of useful insight. With everyone working together, we can ensure a healthier work environment for all involved, all season long. Play it safe out there! And feel free to contact our team with any questions you might have.
