Summer is upon us, and for many businesses, that means increased foot traffic and a higher volume of customers. With the warmer weather comes the opportunity to take advantage of your company’s outdoor space. Still, extra precautions must be taken to ensure your employees and customers stay safe in the heat. You can do five key things to prepare your workplace for the summer and keep everyone comfortable, cool, and safe.
1. Dress Appropriately
As the weather gets warmer, you may be tempted to leave your heavy coat and boots home when you head to work. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing your summer work wardrobe. First, consider the temperatures you will be working in. If you work in a cool office, you may need to bring a cardigan or light jacket to stay comfortable. However, if you work in a hot environment, such as a kitchen or factory, loose-fitting clothes made of natural fabrics will help you stay cool.
Second, think about your safety. If you work with machinery or chemicals, it is important to wear clothing that will protect your skin from burns or spills. Finally, remember that summer is a time for fun. If your workplace has a dress code, try to incorporate some personal style into your outfits. Wearing summer-themed accessories or brightly colored clothing can help brighten the office and make the warm weather more enjoyable.
2. Install ACs and Chillers
Air conditioners (ACs) and chillers are the best way to ensure a cool and comfortable work environment during summer. Hence, it is vital to install or repair them beforehand. However, hiring the right company for AC services is also crucial. You can trust someone like Thermaright Hire Solutions. They have the expertise to handle end-to-end AC installments and then offer maintenance services. Also, they can help you during emergencies with their temporary package solutions so that your workplace doesn’t heat up too much to lead to discomfort.
3. Monitor Air Quality
Ground-level ozone, particulate matter, and smog are all pollutants that rise to higher levels during the summer. These pollutants can cause various health problems, including respiratory irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. They can also aggravate pre-existing conditions such as asthma and heart disease.
To protect the health of your employees, it is important to monitor air quality levels during the summer months. Air quality monitoring stations measure levels of pollutants in the air and provide real-time data that can help you decide when to open or close windows, run air conditioning, or take other steps to reduce exposure. Additionally, employee education is key to raising awareness about the importance of air quality and the health risks associated with exposure to pollutants.
4. Take Breaks
As the weather gets warmer, it’s essential to take some time to prepare your workplace for the summer. This means more than just stocking up on sunscreen and cold drinks — you also need to take steps to protect your employees from heat-related illnesses.
One of the most important things you can do is educate your employees about the dangers of heat stress. Ensure they know the signs and symptoms and encourage them to take frequent breaks. If possible, set up a cooling station where employees can cool down if they start to feel overheated.
5. Know the Signs of Heat Illness
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat illness can range from mild conditions, such as heat cramps and rash, to more severe conditions, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat illness and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature, skin that is hot and dry to the touch, a rapid pulse, headache, nausea, and dizziness. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it is vital to call 9-1-1 immediately and move to a cool, shady area.
While heat illness is a serious concern, there are steps that employers can take to help prevent it. The CDC recommends that employers develop a heat illness prevention program that includes engineering controls (e.g., air conditioning or fans), administrative controls (e.g., scheduling breaks in cool areas), and worker training (e.g., on the signs and symptoms of heat illness).
Taking steps to prepare your workplace for summer can help create a safe and healthy environment for your employees. By blocking the sun, adjusting your hours, monitoring air quality, and taking breaks, you can help prevent heat illness and create a comfortable workplace for everyone.
