Helpful tips for staying safe in the workplace in summer

 Helpful tips for staying safe in the workplace in summer

In South Africa, summer temperatures often exceed 40 degrees Celsius.  When working outdoors, this can be a life-threatening hazard if employees are not properly protected.

Here are some helpful tips to stay safe:

• Remember that there are minimum PPE requirements for sun protection.  This means that short-sleeved t-shirts and shorts aren’t usually sufficient.  Always dress for safety over comfort.
• Wear loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing.  Dark fabric attracts and absorbs more sun and heat.
• Drink a lot of fluids.  Be careful of energy drinks and sodas – these speed up dehydration.
• Wear a high SPF sun block and a hat or helmet.
• Take regular breaks and go into the shade, indoors, or into an air-conditioned car.  Your body needs to recover from the heat.
• Stop working if you feel dizzy, weak or nauseous.
• In the hottest part of the day, try to avoid outdoor work and strenuous labour.
• Use protective eye wear to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays.
• Workplace environments with high heat production, such as manufacturing, need well-ventilated areas and places to cool down.
• Make sure that all employees know the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, and that there is someone trained in first aid on every shift.