The summer months can be one of the most beautiful times of the year and one of the most dangerous. Hot summer temperatures, often combined with underlying conditions, have been shown to cause a devastating impact on the population. While some stay inside to beat the heat, those with outdoor careers should practice common summer safety tips to stay healthy all season long. So, what are some of the top safety tips for workers during the summer?
While this is one of the most common outdoor summer safety tips, it's always worth repeating. Always drink water regularly throughout the day with frequent breaks between work. For those working in direct sunlight, this step is even more critical. Lauren Minchen, a New York nutritionist, recommends taking in between 2 and 4 liters per day for most adults. However, it's important to note that the total may vary depending on each person's height, weight, and health status.
Heat exhaustion can quickly set in within minutes, leading to heat stroke if not identified and treated quality. With higher temperatures and humidity, active workers are at a much higher risk. It's essential to watch out for confusion and unusual behavior as well as an intense headache. Once the body temperature rises past 105 degrees, your body cannot cool itself and begins to overheat. A rising skin surface temperature and dry skin are also more likely.
Just as darker clothes absorb more light, lighter clothes can reflect sunlight to keep your skin cooler. Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing also helps you stay cool during the hotter summer days. Lighter, breathable clothing is nice, but don't forget your eyes! Wearing sunglasses that block UV light not only helps you see clearer on a bright day but also protects your eyes against the sun's ultraviolet rays that are known to cause a variety of conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and more.
Even with protective clothing, applying sunscreen to exposed skin is important to prevent sunburn and skin cancer. While sunscreen with a rating of SPF 15 is recommended for recreation, workers should use sunscreen with a rating of SPF 30 or higher, blocking up to 97% of the sun's ultraviolet rays. It's best to reapply sunscreen every two hours at a minimum, or even more often when sweat is a factor.
For business owners, keeping your workforce protected in the summer - and all year long - should be a top priority. Lowry Insurance delivers a wide variety of custom business insurance solutions that provide comprehensive coverage at the right size for each team. Connect with our team today to learn more.