As summer temperatures rise, so do workers compensation claims for industries where employees are dealing with heat. Heat related injury can occur in both indoor and outdoor working conditions. Employers who focus on injury prevention will ensure a safe working environment and observation of best practices by all employees. As a result, they will steer clear of workers compensation claims and maintain better rates.
Prevent Heat Related Employee Injuries Outside
In outside work environments, injuries tend to occur later in the day. Outdoor work is typically physical labor, so employees are starting to get tired from the day’s activities. This is when they are more likely to lose focus, make mistakes, and have slower reaction times. They may also be a bit dehydrated in the afternoons or suffering from prolonged exposure to the sun and heat.
Outdoor work safety priorities should shift with the seasons, and it is advisable for employers to do a quarterly review of best practices with their employees. It’s better to prepare for the upcoming changes in weather than it is to react once they have already started.
Hot weather injury prevention tips include:
- Wear lightweight and light color clothing with long sleeves and long pants for UVA protection. A lightweight brimmed hat will protect eyes and faces from direct sunlight. Everyone, regardless of skin tone, should wear and reapply sunscreen.
- Take water breaks often. Consider providing coolers and an ample supply of water so that no one ever runs out. Sugary and caffeinated drinks can be dehydrating, so water is the very best option.
- Make sure there is shade or a cool indoor area for employees to rest a few times during the day.
- Don’t let anyone avoid lunch. Even if employees are less hungry during hot days, they need healthy fats and carbohydrates to maintain energy levels. It may be helpful to invite a nutritionist to present a “lunch and learn” on the best options for energizing meals during physical outdoor summer work.
Make sure supervisors know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke so that they can monitor employees throughout the day. Anyone who appears to be getting sick from the heat should stop working immediately and be assessed.
Prevent Heat Related Employee Injuries Inside
Indoor employees don’t have to contend with the sun, but sometimes their conditions can be much hotter than outside. For employees who work in close proximity to equipment that throws off more heat than the general environment, it can be easy to forget their increased potential for injury or illness.
Just like with outdoor heat illness prevention, hydration, rest, and nutrition are some of the best proactive steps employees can take. Employers can do their part by installing ventilation, exhaust, and HVAC systems that flush out hot air and maintain reasonable temperatures throughout the day. Take note of the hottest times of the day and consider pausing work for a period of time. It might even make sense to shift work hours during the summer so that employees can be more productive during cooler hours. Finally, have employees alternate between strenuous physical labor and tasks that require less movement or lifting.
Supervisors must be vigilant for signs of heat illness in indoor environments. If their job is not quite as physical, it is especially important that they remain aware of how much warmer it is for the staff so that they can encourage breaks and hydration.
Maintain a Healthy Work Environment to Prevent Heat Related Injuries
The culture of your workplace will heavily influence how employees take care of themselves on the job. If they know that safety is a priority, and that they won’t be penalized in any way for taking appropriate breaks for rest and hydration, they will be more likely to avoid injury. This encouragement needs to be consistent from the top down, and it is especially helpful when employees receive specific training on these topics. The more knowledge everyone has about preventing heat illness, and what to do if it does happen, the better overall safety will be across the workforce.
While your workers compensation policy is a requirement, it is most cost effective if you rarely need to file a claim. If you are looking for ways to improve safety in your workplace, contact us to review your working conditions. At Smyrl Insurance, we educate, nurture, and empower business owners to keep their insurance rates affordable through smart business practices. We can refer you to resources that will help you prioritize safe working conditions in hot weather and all year long. We serve clients for business insurance including workers compensation, property, liability, and more in Hatfield, Lansdale, Souderton, Harleysville, and throughout Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.