Summer can be a boom time for businesses. The kids are out of school, the temperatures are rising, and spring and summer bring appealing—but often unpredictable—weather.
However, with these welcoming conditions that often bring tourist areas roaring back to life, new risks can come. That’s why spring and summer can be a time when work-related injuries for both employees and customers become more common. Understanding these increased risks and the types of injuries they can cause is essential to run your business effectively and keep your workers and customers safe.
Heat Stroke:
One important thing to remember about work-related injuries is that you don’t have to have any apparent safety hazards for them to occur.
If your employees work outside during the hottest months or customers engage in physical activity on your property, they could be at risk for hyperthermia, more commonly known as heatstroke. This condition is when the body overheats and suffers adverse effects, including dizziness, fatigue, and loss of consciousness. Hyperthermia can cause additional injuries if an employee collapses while carrying a heavy object, for instance.
The best way you can avoid heatstroke is to make sure that any employees who are at risk are taking regular breaks and are provided with adequate hydration. Buildings that are poorly ventilated can also contribute to heatstroke, so consider cracking open a window and building awnings to provide some shade during the day’s hottest periods. While heatstroke is an environmental risk, it can be alleviated with bold design and a focus on working conditions.
Slips and Falls:
Spring and summer are often the rainy seasons in many areas, bringing an additional hazard to your workplace. While slip-and-fall injuries can happen at any time and are often caused by environmental issues—an uneven step or a dropped soda—they become more common during this season due to the risk of water being tracked from outside into the business. This season also leads to more outside work and activities, where the terrain is more brutal to keep even.
While the risk of slip-and-fall injuries can’t be eliminated, it can be reduced with a few simple workplace steps. If a spill happens or water is brought in from outside, make sure it is cleaned up quickly. Before opening the business, check to make sure pre-existing surfaces like floors and stairs are even; it’s worth the investment to make repairs before opening your doors. Finally, institute standards for safety footwear for all employees to ensure proper traction.
Dehydration:
Dehydration and heatstroke are often linked, as lack of water can contribute to the body overheating. But dehydration can cause a host of health concerns on its own, many of which might not be evident at first glance. Caused by not getting enough water, especially as the body loses moisture by sweating, dehydration can cause dry mouth, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, and lightheadedness or fainting.
The best way to prevent dehydration is to provide an easy supply of water on the job site. This task can be as simple as having a sink with small cups next to it. Encourage regular drinking breaks and partner workers together to watch for signs of dehydration in each other—they can sneak up on workers and make other injuries more likely.
Vehicle Accidents:
The roads are busier in spring and summer, which is also the most common time for major construction projects. Winter can affect building construction and lead to damage when materials expand in the summer due to heat, so expect detours during the busy season. Another cause of increased vehicle accidents during the summer is the presence of young drivers on summer break with less experience on the roads.
If you work in the construction industry, you can take some simple safety measures to minimize these risks. Ensure all your project sites are carefully marked to steer traffic and employ guards to fend off any intrusions. If you’re running a business that requires lots of driving, ensure your workers are trained in vehicle safety and map out the city to make it easier to avoid the most construction-heavy areas.
Cover Your Bases:
Workplace accidents may be unavoidable in some circumstances, but you can minimize your risk and liability. Ensuring you’re adequately covered with general liability insurance and workers’ compensation can protect you in the event of an accident. By reducing your risk factors and covering yourself in the event of an accident, you’ll be able to make it past the riskiest seasons.
