Protecting you and your employees during the summer months
Since you run a construction organisation, the chances of your employees working outside are very likely. You must take precautions to ensure they are aware of how to protect themselves from exposure to the sun, heat, and insect bites during the summer months. It’s extremely important to provide appropriate PPE and give advice where necessary to keep your employees happy and safe.
Keeping your employees healthy and happy should be a priority for any business owner, below is some advice on how to achieve this for your employees during the hot summer months. If you would like more information relating to injury to employees, please visit our page on employers liability.
How to protect against the sun?
To protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays:
1. Cover up!
Wear lightweight, tightly woven clothing that will not let the light pass through. This is probably the most effective way to protect against the sun’s UV rays.
2. Use sunscreen
Use a sunscreen with at least SPF15 as this will block 93 per cent of the sun’s rays. Be sure to follow the application instructions!
3. Wear a hat
It should protect your neck, ears, forehead, nose and scalp.
4. Wear UV-absorbent sunglasses
Before you buy safety glasses, consider purchasing UV protection sunglasses for outdoor workers. The sun can be very damaging to the eyes, so it’s vital to protect against debris and projectiles, but also the sun.
5. Shelter
Have gazebos available or large shades so employees can work underneath to keep out of the sun. Also consider having a canteen/welfare structure for workers to take their breaks.
Protecting against the heat
The combination of humidity and heat during the summer can be a serious health threat to your employees, especially when they are performing strenuous work. To beat the heat:
1. Drink plenty of water
Ensure you have cold drinking water available on sites for your employees to allow them to stay hydrated throughout the day.
2. Wear lightweight clothing
Ensure that all workwear provided to employees is lightweight and breathable to prevent overheating.
3. Shelter
Provide cool sheltered areas on site for workers to spend their breaks.
Protecting against insect bites and stings
Insect stings are typically only dangerous to those who are allergic or have been stung multiple times.
1. Wear insect repellent
If you’re working in areas prone to insects that bite, such as mosquitoes then advise your employees to wear insect repellent.
2. Keep welfare areas and sites clean and tidy
Prevent insects such as wasps from becoming a problem.
For more information about Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers products, please contact the Sutcliffe Head Office on 01905 21681 or alternatively email Enquiries@sutcliffeinsurance.co.uk or Contact Us
