Summer Work Hazards
Many jobs transition to the great outdoors during the summer as the days are nicer and longer. However, there are many risks associated with outdoor summer work. Right of Way clearing teams and other employees often face arduous physical work during the summer. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 62 occupational deaths due to exposure to extreme temperatures in 2020.
Each job faces its own set of hardships and hazards, but there are many that persist through all types of outdoor work. We have gathered some of the most common on-the-job summer hazards and some ways to prevent them.
Heat Illness
Summer brings on the heat which can lead to heat illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Outdoor employees often face hot conditions during the summer months and can endure serious side effects. However, there are actions you can take to prevent heat illnesses including:
- Find shade when possible
- Stay hydrated
- Wear protective clothing
- Educate workers to recognize heat illness signs
Machine Temperatures
Just as people are at risk from the warm summer temperatures, equipment is, too. Metal tools and machinery left in the sun can rise to extremely warm surface temperatures. Unaware and unprotected employees that come in contact with these tools can be severely burned. Ensure you have a safe summer workplace by:
- Placing equipment in the shade
- Wearing PPE
- Training employees
Dangerous Flora and Fauna
Across the country, there are many poisonous and obnoxious pests that come out during the summer. There are several types of bugs that can bite and sting, leading to potential illness and injury in those susceptible. Even bugs that do not cause serious pain, such as mosquitos and ticks, can spread diseases to workers. Dangerous animals may also make an appearance during summer. Employees should watch out for snakes and other animals that could attack.
In addition to dangerous animals, there are many summer plants that can cause serious health risks. The most common plants found across the US are in the sumac family including poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Employees should learn how to recognize these plants and wear proper PPE to protect themselves.
Take proper precautions from flora and fauna by:
- Recognizing the signs of an allergic reaction
- Wearing proper PPE
- Being aware of your surroundings
- Understanding which creatures and plants are poisonous
Lanracorp Safety Check – How We Limit Hazards
Safety starts from the top, which is why managers are the first step to ensuring a safe workplace. We make safety on the job a priority and believe in continuous improvement. At Lanracorp, we implement our Innovate 4 Safety program to make sure our team is safe all year long. Learn more about Lanracorp and what we stand for.