Summertime brings images of family road trips, sun-soaked beaches, and backyard barbecues to mind. While there is a lot to enjoy during the summer months, it’s also a critical time for injuries. In fact, more mishaps occur in the 101 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day than at any other time of the year!
Whether you are at work or heading off on vacation, these brief tips can help keep you and your employees safe from the common hazards of the season. If you’re looking for more in-depth information, check out our best Summer Safety programs on heat stress, severe weather, emergency response, and more. We’ve also included links to other resources such as the National Safety Council, OSHA and the National Weather Service.
Heat Stress
The soaring temps of summertime increase the risk of heat-related illnesses both on and off the job. Heat stress, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion can cause severe illness or death.
Here are some quick tips to help you prevent heat stress:
- Stay hydrated – drink before you get thirsty
- Gradually acclimate to the conditions
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Take frequent breaks, preferably in the air conditioning
- Avoid the hottest part of the day
- Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in those around you
Check out these resources for detailed information about preventing and treating heat-related ailments:
- OSHA: Heat Illness Prevention
- NSC: Avoiding Heat-Related Illnesses and Death
- CDC: Heat Stress Recommendations
- AP Safety Training’s Best Heat Stress Video
Severe Weather
Severe weather can strike anywhere, anytime – and summertime can create the perfect conditions for some of the most dangerous types of weather. Depending on your location, your workers need to know how to prepare for and respond to thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, hail, floods, and more.
Here are some basic steps for staying safe in severe weather:
- Stay alert by following local and national weather forecasts
- Heed emergency alerts
- Have an emergency plan in place ahead of time
- Take shelter from lightning, hail, and strong winds
- Avoid walking, wading, or driving through floods or fast-moving waters
- Stay away from downed power lines, broken gas lines, and storm debris
These resources can help you learn more about the dangers of severe weather and how to create an emergency plan:
- National Weather Service Guide to Severe Weather Preparation
- NSC: Emergency Preparedness
- AP Safety Training’s Best Severe Weather Video
Emergency Preparedness
Knowing what to do in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death. Since most emergencies occur without warning, preparing ahead of time increases your ability to act quickly and safely.
Whether it’s a fire, severe weather, a chemical spill, workplace violence, or medical emergency, the following tips can help:
- Training and preparation are critical to responding calmly and effectively in an emergency
- Know what the different alarm sounds mean, as well as the locations of the nearest phone, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, safety shower/eye wash station, and exit
- Stay alert
- When in an unfamiliar place such as a hotel or conference center, take time to note the location of exits and stairwells
For details about preparing for specific types of emergencies, the OSHA webpage on Emergency Preparedness and Response is a robust resource. In addition, you can preview any of our fourteen Emergency Preparedness and Response videos on our website!
Prioritizing summer safety ensures your employees and your loved ones are prepared to protect themselves from the common hazards. Follow these tips to stay cool, stay calm, and stay safe!