As temperatures soar to shocking levels with parts of California recently reaching a scorching 128 degrees Fahrenheit, it cannot be overstated how high a priority worker safety should be for HR. This year’s record-breaking heat is nothing short of dangerous, especially for employees with outdoor duties. Human Resources must implement safety protocols to keep employees safe from extreme heat and other hazards commonly seen in summer.
Extreme Heat Dangers
Being exposed to high temperatures for too long can cause major health concerns like heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration. Obviously outdoor workers are much more vulnerable, but even indoor workers are not immune when venturing outside for breaks or long commutes.
HR Safety Checklist
For the sake of employees, HR must be proactive in implementing safety procedures during the summer months:
- Awareness and Training:
- Awareness Campaigns: Use campaigns so employees know the signs of heat-related sickness while encouraging hydration.
- Training Programs: Offer trainings on heat safety, including how to know when a heat emergency is occurring and how to respond.
- Work Schedule Changes:
- Flexibility: Flexible work hours can enable outdoor employees to work during parts of the day that are less oppressive, such as early in the morning or later in the evening.
- Breaks: It should be made clear that workers should not be shy about taking breaks, and taking them often.
- Hydration:
- Water Stations: Have hydration stations with lots of water as well as electrolyte drinks easily accessible at work sites.
- Encouragement: It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re busy. Encourage employees to drink water often, even when not thirsty.
- The Right Gear:
- Cool Clothing: Provide light, airy clothes, hats and sunglasses to protect workers from the harmful summer sun.
- Sunscreen: Have sunscreen with a high SPF available at sites so workers stay protected against UV rays.
- Indoor Safety:
- Cool Down Spots: Be sure to have cool down locations inside so employees can escape the heat if they need to.
- Outdoor Warnings: Make sure indoor workers are staying safe when they go outside by wearing sunglasses, using sunscreen, and having a water bottle.
Other Seasonal Hazards
Extreme heat isn’t the only summer danger that HR should be on top of:
- Air: Extreme heat tends to cause bad air quality, which can impact respiratory health. Seek to minimize pollution exposure and ensure air purity in indoor spaces.
- Insects: Mosquitoes and ticks like to carry diseases, and unfortunately they also like summer. Bug bite education and availability of insect repellant could be the difference between a healthy and sick employee.
- Sun: To protect from skin damage caused by sun exposure, motivate workers to wear protective clothing and sunscreen.
As we contend with record-breaking heat, it’s up to Human Resources to guarantee the health and safety of employees. By utilizing safety practices, raising awareness, and making the right alterations to schedules and work areas, HR can make sure that workers stay well during the most brutally hot time of year.