Summer has a certain way of letting you know the season has arrived, and with it comes scorching temperatures that can turn a workday dangerous. A recent study by the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) found an increase – 5% to 6% – in work-related accidents when the thermometer tops 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Construction workers in the South are especially vulnerable.
Who, or what is the culprit? Heat illness. The WCRI identified two main types: direct and indirect. Direct heat illness hits you head-on with symptoms like heat exhaustion, cramps, and even fainting. Indirect heat illness is sneakier. It affects your ability to move, think clearly, and see your surroundings, which can lead to falls and other accidents.
This isn’t just a theoretical risk. The National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) has reported over 70 million Americans under extreme heat alerts, with parts of the Midwest experiencing scorching temperatures.
The good news? Workers can gradually adapt (acclimatize) to hot weather, reducing the risk of accidents. But that’s not enough. Proactive measures are crucial.
Beating the Heat: Keeping Your Workers Safe
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers a lifeline: a heat illness prevention program. This program ensures your workplace stays safe during scorching days. Imagine this: routine inspections to identify and eliminate heat hazards before they make an employee sick.
Here are the main components of an effective heat illness prevention program, according to OSHA:
- A Battle Plan: Develop a clear heat plan to guide actions when temperatures rise.
- Heat Safety Captain: Designate a responsible person to oversee the program.
- Heat Illness 101: Educate your workers on recognizing and preventing heat illness.
- Acclimatization: Gradually introduce workers to hot conditions to help them adapt.
- Smart Scheduling Tactics: Adjust work schedules to minimize exposure to peak heat.
Keeping your employees safe from heat-related injuries and illnesses is not only the correct step to take, it’s a smart business decision. A well-designed program can reduce worker downtime, boost employee morale, and potentially lower your workers’ compensation costs. But navigating the complexities of workplace safety regulations and insurance coverage can be a challenge.
That’s where Simple Insurance comes in. We can help you develop a comprehensive liability program and ensure you have the right insurance coverage in place to protect your business – and your employees. Get a head start on employee safety. Contact Simple Insurance today for a free, personalized business insurance quote. We’ll help you create a cool and safe work environment for everyone.