Workplace Safety Concerns for Summer

Particularly for industrial jobs, including construction, farming and manufacturing, employees are expected to operate heavy machinery at a fast pace in hot summer temperatures. However, when employers do not fully understand the hazards of working in sun and heat, several safety issues arise. As a result, employees could experience dangerous sun exposure, heat stroke or dehydration on the job.
Throughout summer and the warm days of early fall, both workers and their employers should be aware of the following dangers:
Heat-Related Injuries
Whether a worker is outdoors paving roads, plowing fields or operating heavy machinery, summer conditions can become dangerously hot. On the other hand, being indoors does not always mean a cooler environment. Once equipment is turned on, a building can heat up to 110° F very easily. Those working in HVAC, refineries, mines, farming and construction are particularly vulnerable.
Working indoors or out, temperature regulation proves to be a challenge. Heat-related injuries can occur, especially when employers push their workers to work regular schedules in the heat. These may manifest as:

• Heat rash, which looks like a blistering, red rash that results from sweating and plugged glands.
• Heat cramps, present in the legs or abdomen, happen when a worker loses significant amounts of water and electrolytes.
• Heat syncope is when a worker feels faint or dizzy after long hours standing or suddenly rising from a sitting position.
• Heat exhaustion can cause excessive sweating, pale skin, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision and even fainting.
• Heat stroke, a condition that begins with a headache or dizziness and progresses to reduced sweating, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, cramps and very dry skin, may lead to brain and organ damage.

Sun Exposure
In addition to heat-related illnesses, the sun itself can create problems for workers. Those expected to be outside for several hours without any protection can experience serious sunburns, including second- and third-degree burns and painful blistering. Sun exposure also builds up over time, so when a construction crew or farm workers are outdoors for several weeks at a time, a burn can easily worsen.
Dehydration
Related to sun exposure but also a possibility indoors, dehydration can occur any time workers are expected to push through hot, dry conditions. In such environments, sweat evaporates quickly, so dehydration may go unnoticed until its effects become severe.
Insects and Wildlife
In addition to the sun, working outdoors places employees in close proximity to animals and insects, which can sting, bite or pass along serious diseases. Workers need to be prepared for:

• Stinging insects, like bees and mosquitos.
• Poisonous insects and reptiles, such as snakes.
• Plants that can cause allergic reactions through contact or inhalation, including poison ivy, oak and sumac.

Natural Disasters
Before sending your workers outdoors, have you listened to the weather report? When a heavy storm or hurricane is predicted, make sure your employees stay home. During natural disasters, including floods and wildfires, employees should not only avoid the worksite, but must additionally steer clear of anything gas-powered, including generators, pumps and power tools. Even if you’re working indoors for the day, using this equipment in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces can contribute to carbon monoxide poisoning, neurological damage or death.
The more injuries your employees experience, the greater the workers’ compensation claims you’ll face. While you should make sure good safety practices are followed, such as supplying water, better air circulation, sun protection and protective clothing, also be sure you have adequate workers’ compensation coverage. To learn more and discuss your options, give us a call at 203.439.2815.