You can’t control Mother Nature, but you can take steps to protect your company. Summer heat is a serious threat for any business that operates outdoors, as thousands of workers suffer from heat illnesses each year.
While you can’t control the heat, you can take measures to protect your employees from heat stroke and other serious health issues. Follow these heat safety tips to help protect both your employees and your business this summer.
Acclimate Workers to the Heat
The first few days in the heat are the most dangerous for outdoor workers. Employees should adjust to the heat before they can take on a true full workload in the sun. This can be even more important for recently-hired workers or seasonal help who aren’t used to working in these conditions. The Department of Labor suggests supervising new and temporary employees for the first two weeks to watch for signs of heat illness and see if they’ve adjusted to working in the summer weather.
Dress for the Summer
Appropriate attire can help workers stay cool in the summer. Dark-colored apparel will make the heat more intense, so let employees opt for light-colored clothing if possible. Hats and other protective headgear can protect the face from damaging rays. Also, a little sunscreen goes a long way toward preventing sunburn.
Encourage Hydration
A glass of cool water can be an outdoor worker’s best friend. Summer work can be hot, so it’s important to set up regular water breaks so that employees can regularly rehydrate and cool down. Access to sports drinks can also help workers replenish electrolytes on long, sweaty days.
Provide Opportunities for Rest
One of the best ways for someone to cool down is to simply rest in a cool area. Overheating is your body’s way of telling you to relax for a bit. Make sure that your workers have a shaded or air-conditioned area where they can take breaks if necessary. Not every worker will be able to tell when it’s time to cool off, so make sure that your employees are trained to recognize signs of heat illness in case someone needs attention.
Create a Safer Working Environment Through Risk Management Strategies
The health and safety of your employees is a big responsibility, especially when the weather can pose another threat to the wellbeing of your workers. One way to help protect your employees and your business is to invest in risk management services for your business.
Group Management Services can help your business set up safety programs, guidelines, and other strategies. Not only will this help your employees stay safe, it will also protect your business from losing valuable work hours and limit the potential for costly workers’ compensation claim. Contact GMS today to talk to one of our risk management experts about how we can help make your business a safer place this summer.