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Dakota Software's Blog for EHS and Sustainability Professionals

Keeping employees safe from danger this summer

June 27th, 2018 by Dakota Software Staff

Keeping employees safe from danger this summer

The long hours of the summer sun and high temperatures of the season can cause serious and even fatal injuries for workers in a wide variety of industries. The potential for substantial harm can't be overlooked, whether workers spend the majority of their days outside or only have a handful of excursions into higher temperatures during their shifts. Understand the risk factors associated with heat-related illnesses to keep employees safe, comfortable and productive as instances of high temperatures start to hit across the country during the summer of 2018.

Comprehending high-temperature risk factors

"Hot summer temperatures present a number of short- and long-term risk factors for workers."

Hot summer temperatures present a number of short- and long-term risk factors for workers. Although some of the most drastic tend to fall into the relatively fast-acting category, such as heatstroke and dehydration, there are other issues in play as well. OHS Online highlighted sunburns, which may not immediately develop or cause issues for staff but are nonetheless an occupational hazard. Long-term negative effects of direct, unprotected exposure to the sun, such as skin cancer, must also be considered.

Encouraging the use of and providing sunscreen and, especially, giving employees time to reapply it throughout the day, is vital when long stretches of time are spent outside. Similarly, offering access to water and hydration breaks, along with a shaded or indoor area in which to rest and cool down, is vital. EHS specialists and business leaders must also address the clothes and personal protective equipment employees wear, whether by offering gear that works well and mitigates body heat buildup in direct sunlight or by making sure workers take frequent breaks.

Summertime hazards not related to sun and heat

The potential for occupational harm in the summer stems not only from sun and heat but from the potential presence of disease carrying insects, potentially dangerous plants and even issues such as flash flooding following a rainstorm. These issues are all highly specific to the areas in which businesses operate - ticks carrying Lyme disease are a serious threat, but are not common in every state, for example. Businesses must recognize and account for localized hazards that arise in the summer to make sure their workers can function not only in the heat and sun, but when the risk of disease or physical injury through natural causes is nearby.

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