22 Worker Safety Tips

Summer Safety Tips

Soaring temperatures, busy travel times and the potential for strong storms and wildfires are some of the unique hazards businesses can face in the summertime.

1. Keep outdoor workers hydrated by providing plenty of water and fluids throughout their shifts.
2. Make sure employees working in the heat wear appropriate clothing, like loose-fitting, breathable fabrics.
3. Schedule frequent breaks and watch for symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke.
4. Watch the weather reports to stay abreast of any impending storms and make sure the outside of the building is secure.
5. Install a generator to prepare for the possibility of power loss and to help reduce business disruption.
6. For businesses located in regions prone to wildfires, create a defensible space around the building to reduce damage from the fire.
 

Fall Safety Tips

Hurricane season lasts into fall, cold and flu season begins, and once again, the resetting of the clocks can impact worker safety.

7. As the days get shorter, provide more illumination in the evening to mitigate the hazards of working in under-lit areas.
8. Remind employees that driving on wet leaves can be as slippery as driving on icy roads and take extra caution.
9. Revisit your preparedness plan for dealing with potentially extreme weather, like hurricanes, as the season comes to a close.
10. In the aftermath of a hurricane or strong storm, keep clear of heavily damaged areas until crews arrive.
11. Keep high-touch surfaces clean and sanitized to reduce the spread of germs.
12. Consider implementing a workplace flu shot program to encourage employees to get the flu vaccine and reduce absences from illness.

Winter Safety Tips 

Winter can be a particularly hazardous time of the year for workers in many parts of the country, with blizzards, ice storms, dangerous winds and slippery road conditions making travel difficult.

13. Ensure workers take frequent breaks from the freezing temperatures.
14. Encourage workers to dress in warm clothes and wear layers. Offer PPE as needed.
15. Plan driving routes around any forecasted bad weather.
16. Keep walkways, driveways and parking lots clear of snow and ice to prevent slips and falls.
17. Clean up snow and water when it’s tracked inside and regularly replace wet mats at entrances.
18. Assemble a team of experts to call for emergency help, such as a roof inspector, a professional snow plowing service, a plumber to inspect pipes, etc.

Spring Safety Tips

Spring brings an increased risk of inclement weather such as tornadoes and flooding.

19. Keep the workplace safe by doing some spring cleaning – clear clutter, remove fire hazards, deep clean floors and more.
20. Businesses in tornado zones should prepare their property and create a safe room for employees in case of an emergency.
21. Be aware of the side effects of “springing forward” during Daylight Savings Time – disrupted sleep cycles can lead to fatigue and an increased risk for workplace accidents.
22. Starting a company sports team? Make sure to understand course and scope laws that will determine if any employee injuries are covered during the event.

Courtesy of AmTrust

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