Poster: Summer Safety - Thirst
Poster: Summer Safety - Hydration
Poster: Summer Safety - Heatstroke
Youth Worker Safety and Labor Laws

Summer is traditionally a season of relaxation and recreation – yet it is also a common time for injuries to occur at home and on the job. Prevention is the key to avoiding these injuries. It can be as easy as keeping hydrated throughout the day to being properly trained on work equipment. Observe the following tips to prevent injuries and enjoy a safe summer. 

Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke

  • Participate in physical activities in the early mornings or evenings when it is cooler, wear loose-fitting clothing, and drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and soda) to help prevent heat exhaustion.
  • Encourage employees to drink five to seven ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day. In the course of a day's work, the body may produce as much as two to three gallons of sweat. These fluids should be replaced at nearly the same rate as they are lost. Cool, clean, palatable drinking water should be readily available. Employees should not depend on thirst to signal when or how much water to drink since thirst is a poor indicator of the actual need for fluids.
  • Implement a program of work-rest cycles. Shorter work-rest cycles are required for more strenuous physical work and hot work environments. Work periods should be followed by periods of rest in a cooler environment (about 76 degrees). The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) specifies ways to measure heat and humidity and outlines recommended work-rest cycles for different workloads in hot/humid environments. 
  • Encourage employees to add extra salt to food if salt replacement is needed. Salt tablets should not be used.

Sun Exposure

  • Wear sunscreen.
  • Wear sunglasses with UV protection. When shopping for sunglasses, the darkness of a lens should not be used to gauge protection from UV rays. The tint is designed to reduce glare. 
  • Know when to stop and take a break. Outdoor workers should seek shaded or covered areas to take breaks.
  • Wear the right clothing.  Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt can provide protection from the sun.  A wide-brimmed hat or neck covering that can be added to one’s hard hat is recommended. 

 

SYMPTOMS

MENTAL STATUS

CORE TEMP

TREATMENT

HEAT EXHAUSTION
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Intense thirst
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Actively sweating
  • Skin cool, moist, and pale
  • Weak and/or rapid pulse

 
  • Usually conscious
  • May faint

Over 102°
  • Shady place or AC room
  • Keep cool
  • Increase fluids
  • Cold wet towels on them
  • Fan
  • Saline solution or electrolyte solution

HEATSTROKE
  • Headache
  • Hot, red, or flushed skin
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Constricted pupils
  • Dry skin
  • Warm skin
  • Rapid pulse
  • Sweating has ceased
  • Incoherent speech
  • Disoriented
  • Confused
  • Aggressive
  • Can lead to unconsciousness if not treated

Over 105°
  • Remove clothing
  • Cool, wet towels or ice packs to arm pits, neck, and groin
  • Fan to increase air flow
  • Seek emergency medical assistance

Equipment  

Ensure that employees are properly trained in the use of various types of equipment that may only be used in summer months.

Insect Bites

To prevent insect bites, wear long-sleeved clothing and keep skin covered. Also, using approved insect repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and clothing can help prevent spread of disease. 

Automobile Accidents

The number of vehicles increases in summer months from work-related projects as well as family vacations. Be aware of the number of cars on the road and remain alert, not only for other cars but also for pedestrians. Also, remember to fasten your seatbelt for all trips, short or long.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls represent a major cause of accidental death and injury, in both the home and work environment. To prevent slips, always promptly clean up spills. Keep floors clear of objects that could cause someone to trip. Always use fall protection equipment when it is required. 

Ask a Safety Consultant

NOTICE: This guide may make reference to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations; however the guide is not legal advice as to compliance with OSHA or other safety laws, codes, or regulations. Compliance with OSHA and other safety laws codes or regulations, and maintaining a safe work environment for your employees remains your responsibility. WCF Insurance does not undertake to perform the duty of any person to provide for the health or safety of your employees. WCF Insurance does not warrant that your workplace is safe or healthful, or that it complies with any laws, regulations, codes, or standards.