HSE Summer Safety Cornerstones & Risk
The increased temperatures and longer summer days cause or worsen a variety of risks and hazards. During the summer, businesses must be especially cautious of the following hazards…
Risk of dehydration
Dehydration happens when the body loses too much water. And the impact can often take sufferers by surprise. It might happen as a result of overexertion, working for too long without a break, or failing to drink enough fluids at regular intervals in warm weather. Supervisors and staff should be trained to recognise indications of dehydration in themselves and their coworkers, such as:
Excessive thirstSleepiness or tirednessDry mouth or eyesMuscle weaknessHeadacheDizziness or light-headeness
Heat stroke risks
Heat stroke can be deadly to an employee’s health and well-being, even resulting in death. A timely and appropriate response can mean the difference between life and death. Heat stroke can be identified by the following symptoms:
Lack of perspiration despite feeling hotTemperature of 40C or aboveFast breathing or shortness of breathConfusionSeizureUnresponsiveness or loss of consciousness
Construction Company Fined After Worker Falls From Roof
A.E.S. Roofing Contractors Ltd was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay £510.30 in costs after a worker fell from a garage roof in Worcester. The incident occurred when the employee used a ladder to ascend onto the roof. The worker was on his knees near an open edge, with no protection.
The employee suffered a shattered hip, foot fractures, and knee injury after falling off the roof. An HSE inquiry discovered that, while A.E.S. owned edge protection adequate for such jobs, it was not employed in this case. In addition, there was no effective audit mechanism in place to properly track what equipment was being used. The corporation pleaded guilty to violating Work at Height Regulations Regulation 4(1).
Read the full article @ birminghammail.co.uk
Risk of slips and trips
Slips and falls are more common in the summer because of the confusion or dizziness produced by hot weather. Make sure workers are using suitable equipment and remain attentive by resting and hydrating at regular intervals.
Risk of vehicle accidents
During the summer, vehicle accidents are common. In addition to increased activity at construction sites, there is increased traffic on roads. Maintain awareness of weather conditions that may have an impact on vehicle safety, and instruct drivers to minimise distractions and follow safe driving procedures.
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