SAFETY TIPS FOR THIS SUMMER

Working in the Australian heat can be extremely challenging if the right precautions are not taken.

Many outdoor workers are at risk of workplace hazards and heat-related illnesses which include heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sun stroke. It is important to implement a safety plan to prepare for the warmer months, follow these simple steps to ensure you and your team have a summer-safe workplace!

Stay Hydrated

It is essential that you are staying hydrated throughout the day whilst also ensuring your electrolyte levels are up. Dehydration can kick in very quickly, so make sure you don’t wait until you are thirsty to have a drink, as this can be a sign that you are already dehydrated. Outdoor workers should aim to stick to the half-and-half rule, drinking half a litre of water every half an hour. Powdered and liquid concentrates are also a great way to top up your hydration levels. These drinks replenish the sodium and minerals that are lost through sweat, at a much faster rate than just drinking water. However, it should not completely replace your daily water intake. We have a vast range of flavours and options to quench your thirst this summer!

Dress for the Heat

We should pay attention to the way we dress when working in the heat in the same way we do when dressing for the cold during winter. Choosing the correct workwear is a very important component of staying safe and keeping cool during the summer months. We naturally tend to want to wear less confining clothing as the temperature rises but covering up will protect your workers from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Heatleys offer a wide range of workwear that is specifically designed to keep you cool during the warmer months. Wear long sleeves and light cotton layers to keep the body temperature down and minimise the risk of any heat-related illnesses.

Protect with PPE

Working outside means that there are various light and temperature conditions to adapt to. Working outdoors, under the direct sunlight for a long period of time means you are exposed to excessive amounts of UV rays and the effects of glare which can harm your eyes. Safety glasses with polarised lenses not only protect your eyes from harmful objects but also offer the best protection against the sun, as they are designed to eliminate glare, reduce bright reflections, and increase visibility. The technology featured in these lenses reduce eye stress, fatigue and decreases headaches caused by the overexposure of glare and harsh sunlight. Polarised lenses will not only improve the quality of your working conditions but also protect the quality of your overall eye health.

Always Wear Sunscreen

People who work outdoors are exposed to a higher level of ultraviolet (UV) radiation than indoor workers which increases their risk of heat related health concerns. According to SunSmart, Australia is known to have some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world and overexposure of these damaging sun rays add up over time, leading to a greater risk of skin cancer. Most skin cancer can be prevented and no matter what your age or skin type is, all workers should be taking precautions to protect their skin and prevent sunburns all year round.

Ensure that you are wearing a high SPF sunscreen every day and reapplying every few hours to help protect you from the strong UV rays. This is one of the most important habits to get into, particularly if you work outdoors during the summer months.

Applying sunscreen regularly should be a crucial part of your daily routine and supplying sunscreen in the workplace can be a valuable practice to really emphasise the importance of applying it daily and staying sun safe.