July is a hot month of the year — and it doesn’t just mean sunny skies and summer enjoyment. It is also hazardous to the workplace. The activities that can quickly become dangerous unless addressed are the hot weather, the long exposure to the sun, and the festivals like fireworks.
This is the reason why employers and employees should be extra cautious in the month of July. This month is also known as the National Fireworks Safety Month and it is a wonderful time to create awareness on fire safety and heat-related hazards at work.
In the current article, we are going to go over the best safety themes to observe in July that will help you safeguard your team, minimize workplace injuries, and establish a safer workplace.
Heat/ Summer Hazards Safety
With the temperature rising in July, the danger of heat-related conditions, such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps increases, particularly among workers who have to be exposed to the sun or hot indoor conditions, such as kitchens, warehouses, and factories. Following are the methods to get the protection from heat and avoid OSHA violations.
Put in regular breaks
Give employees time to relax in cooled or shady areas. More frequent breaks are to be observed during the peak heat hours in order to avoid exhaustion. You can even change the teams to maintain the workload and rest period.
Make available lots of drinking water
Ensure that hydration stations are readily available, and make employees drink water throughout the day, preferably one cup every 15-20 minutes. It may be helpful to leave reminders or timers in hot work environments to remind the employee to take breaks and drink water.
Reduce/increase working hours
Save the heavy work to the early mornings or late afternoons when the temperature is cooler. This aids in minimizing the chances of overworking and maintaining high productivity without jeopardizing safety.
Make employees aware of symptoms
Provide short toolbox discussions to go over early warning indicators such as dizziness or excessive sweating. Making employees feel free to talk about when they or a colleague are not feeling well- early intervention is a life-saver.
Help new and returning employees
Introduce heavy workloads gradually to individuals who are new to exposure to heat. Their bodies need time to adjust and develop tolerance, which is possible in a step-by-step process for 1 2 weeks.
Select materials of PPE that are breathable
Choose lightweight breathable fabric gear as much as possible. Moisture-wicking or ventilation can make a great difference in heat accumulation. Proper PPE fit Ensuring that the PPE fits properly is essential. PPE should be able to cover most of the body parts, and it should also be snug.
Maintain PPE dry and clean
Wet, damp protective equipment is irritating and may cause skin irritation or infection. Provide additional sets and encourage regular cleaning.
Risk indoor heat dangers
Heat stress is not a problem that occurs outside. Dangerous heat levels can be caused by machines, bad airflow or enclosed places inside the building. Install exhaust fans, permit hydration breaks, and check temperatures during the day.
Fireworks and Fire Prevention in July
Fireworks are a tradition in July but also cause fire and injury. That is why July is National Fireworks Safety Month when it is necessary to remind people about the safety of fireworks and strengthen workplace fire safety regulations.
Promote workers to visit the open fireworks rather than light fireworks in their residential areas. The risks are handled by the professionals.
Avoid bootleg or homemade products. Purchase it only with licensed sellers and take all precautions.
Even sparklers are hotter than a blowtorch-never leave children to play with fireworks.
When handling fireworks use safety glasses and wear gloves. Have water buckets and hoses around to put out small fires.
To avoid igniting the fireworks in the trash containers, soak them down and dispose of them.
How To Prevent the Fire Hazards at Workplace
Fire is not the only thing that poses a threat of fire in July. The possibility of a fire can be increased by hot tools, flammable materials, dry weather, and summer electrical loads.
Tips on fire prevention in the workplace:
Test fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lights
Train workers about evacuation
Store flammable materials out of the heat sources
Check the fire safety plan of the company
Ensure that all exits are free and ope
Toolbox Talks July Safety Meeting Ideas
Toolbox talks are conducted regularly to ensure safety is in the spotlight. This is the proposed July plan, according to seasonal risks and National Fireworks Safety Month:
Week 1: Prevention and Avoidance of Heat Illness
Speak about the risk of heat stress, the first signs, and how to respond quickly. Add hydration advice and tell actual experiences to make it personal.
Week 2: PPE and Indoors Heat Hazards
Demonstrate proper use of PPE during hot weather and remind people about the tips to keep cool inside. Get workers to express their discomfort in gear.
Week 3: Fireworks and Summer Celebration Safety
Point out typical firework injuries and provide ideas on safe celebrations. Add home safety reminders to give to families.
Week 4: Evacuation Preparedness and Fire Prevention
Review fire safety plans, delegate safety positions, and practice evacuation. Take a mini fire drill or equipment demonstration where possible.
Conclusion
July is not only sunshine and celebrations, but it is a period of being alert and safe. As the temperatures rise, there are significant dangers such as heat stroke, dehydration, and more fire hazards due to fireworks and hot equipment. By focusing on heat safety, the correct use of PPE, and fire prevention, employees will see that they are valued. Safety is not a once-in-a-lifetime talk, but a daily obligation. You can avoid accidents by creating awareness and training your team. Make July a month of action, education, and care. Since when we look out for one another, we all go home at the end of the day, every day, all summer long.
