Workplace safety is a year-round concern, but trends in the types of workplace accidents can vary with seasons. Understanding these patterns and taking proactive measures to ensure staff are safe throughout the year should be the number one goal. Here are some common workplace accidents that can occur in the Summer and ways you can minimise the risk.
Summer Workplace Accidents
Outdoor working
Warmer weather encourages more outdoor work activities like agriculture and construction. Workers may become fatigued more quickly in the warmer weather which can lead to decreased concentration and increased likelihood of accidents
Busier industry sectors
Summer is the peak season for hospitality and tourism, therefore there are generally more staff working and this can increase the chances of accidents, especially if there are more staff hired on a temporary basis or an increase in new starters and safety training is not a priority
More Holidays
With more staff being on holiday in the peak summer months, this may lead to increased workloads for other workers. If workers are stretched they may make more mistakes that could lead to dangerous incidents.
Ways you can help your staff stay safe in the Summer months
Hydration and heat management
Provide Water Stations: Ensure that there is easy access to drinking water throughout the workplace by placing water stations in multiple locations, especially in areas where employees spend most of their time. Encourage employees to stay hydrated by drinking water frequently, particularly during hot weather or strenuous activities.
Encourage Regular Breaks: Schedule frequent breaks for employees, ensuring they have time to rest in shaded or cool areas. This is crucial to prevent heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses. Create a break schedule that allows employees to take short, regular breaks without disrupting workflow. During these breaks, encourage them to relax, hydrate, and cool down to maintain their health and productivity.
Monitor Heat Levels: Use heat index charts to determine safe working conditions and adjust workloads accordingly. Regularly monitor the temperature and humidity levels in the workplace. This proactive approach helps in maintaining a safe and comfortable working environment.
Sunscreen: Supply sunscreen with a high SPF and encourage its regular use among employees. Place sunscreen dispensers in accessible locations and remind employees to apply it generously on all exposed skin, especially if they are working outdoors. Educate them on the importance of reapplying sunscreen every two hours or after sweating heavily to ensure continuous protection from harmful UV rays.
Protective Clothing: Provide employees with protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts to shield them from UV rays. Ensure that these items are made from breathable, lightweight materials to keep them comfortable while offering protection. Encourage employees to wear these protective items consistently, especially during peak sun exposure hours, to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Workforce Planning
Flexible Scheduling: Adjust work hours to accommodate holidays.
Temporary Staff: Hire seasonal workers and develop thorough orientation programs for new starters and temporary staff, covering general workplace safety, specific job hazards, and emergency procedures
Dedicate mentors to temporary staff or new starters: Allocating an ongoing mentor or dedicated ‘buddy’ system whereby a more permanent, experienced member of staff can shadow, train and provide feedback to new employees as they’re settling in, both from a compliance and a wellbeing perspective.
Cross-Training: Train employees to perform multiple roles so they can cover for absent colleagues.
Absence Policies: Establish clear policies for reporting absences and ensure all employees are aware of them.
Emergency Cover: Identify key roles and ensure there are plans in place for emergency cover if needed.
Review and Adapt: Regularly review accident and incident data and adapt strategies as necessary to address any emerging trends.
