Ensuring Heat-Related Safety for Outdoor Workers

As temperatures rise during the summer months, it becomes crucial for businesses with outdoor workers to prioritize their health and safety.

Heat-related illnesses can pose significant risks, but with the right precautions in place, employers can ensure the well-being of their employees. On days with highs of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, workplace injuries increase by six to nine percent.

In recent weeks, weather extremes have included record-breaking heat waves in China, where Beijing surpassed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first time, and in Mexico and Texas, where officials were once again struggling to keep the electricity grid up and running. Train your employees on the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as the importance of staying hydrated. Encourage workers to recognize their personal limits and take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas when needed. Implement a buddy system, where workers can look out for each other and monitor for any signs of distress. Additionally, establish clear communication channels to quickly address any concerns or emergencies that may arise. Another thing to consider is the outbreak of wildfires and resulting damage and air pollution that can happen in the hot Summer months. 

Proper hydration and access to shaded areas are essential for outdoor workers during hot weather. Provide an ample supply of cool drinking water and encourage employees to hydrate frequently. Consider implementing scheduled breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to allow workers to cool down and rest. Encourage the use of appropriate protective clothing, such as lightweight and breathable fabrics, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Lastly, adjust work schedules when possible to avoid the peak heat hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Protecting the well-being of outdoor workers during hot weather is a responsibility that businesses should prioritize. To learn more about how Lyceum Insurance can help you beat the heat this year and keep your team safe, call us today at (301) 840-6624 or visit our website at www.lyceumins.com. Our team of specialists is on hand and ready to show you how to take the first step toward engaging and empowering your workforce, today.

Sources:

https://equitablegrowth.org/excessive-heat-harms-u-s-workers-unequally-as-the-safety-risks-from-climate-change-soar/#:~:text=It%20examines%20confidential%20data%20from,or%20higher%20increase%20injuries%20by

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/07/06/earth-record-heat-climate-extremes/