Throughout the year, many business owners focus on the common risks facing their companies and employee safety should always remain top of mind.

As the summer months bring soaring temperatures, busy travel times, and the potential for inclement weather ranging from wildfires to strong storm, businesses face unique hazards and specific types of risks.

Here are several of the most common workers’ comp claims filed in the summer months and tips to help small businesses reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and illnesses among employees:

Heat-Related Illnesses

Workers who work outdoor in non air-conditioned spaces such as warehouses are at risk for a variety of heat-related illnesses, including heat stress, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion. The most severe form of heat-related illness is heat stroke, which is a life-threatening emergency. As such, it is imperative employers provide proper training to employees and supervisors to ensure they understand the dangers of heat-related illnesses and how it can impact their overall health and safety.

To help reduce the amount of heat-related workers’ comp claims, employers should consider the following:

• Develop and implement an acclimatization plan for new workers to gradually increase their exposure to heat
• Keep workers hydrated by providing plenty of water and fluids throughout their shift
• Ensure workers wear appropriate clothing, like loose-fitting, breathable fabrics
• Schedule frequent breaks and check in on workers to watch for symptoms of heat-related illnesses
• Reschedule work to earlier in the day to avoid late-day heat and humidity
• Provide shaded break areas for refuge from direct sun exposure

Young or Seasonal Worker Injuries

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), employees less than 18 years old experience an estimated 160,000 work-related injuries and illnesses every summer. These young or new, seasonal workers generally have less experience and training when they enter the workforce and may not understand some of the basic safety procedures designed to prevent injuries on the job.

To reduce workers’ compensation claims in young or seasonal workers, employers should require new hires to participate in safety training programs, understand their right to work in a safe environment, and ensure these workers are consistently supervised. As part of this training, new hires should also learn what to do in the event of an emergency and how to report any injuries or accidents.

Summer Business Travel Abroad

Summer is a busy travel season! Employees traveling abroad should be made aware of any potential risks this travel involves, and how they can best protect themselves. These risks include:

• Unsafe drinking water – employees should be reminded to drink only bottled water or carbonated beverages and avoid ice cubes in their drinks
• Threats of disease outbreaks in the region
• Not receiving necessary vaccinations in the appropriate amount of time – in some areas of the world, travelers should receive vaccinations six to eight weeks prior to traveling

Cleanup and Restoration from Storms or Wildfires

Severe weather events can wreak havoc on commercial property, destroying such things as the exterior of buildings, roofs, signage, gutters, and more.

These acts of nature and the cleanup process involved may be hazardous to employees and can result in workers’ compensation claims. Employers can take the following steps to prepare for any nature-related incidents:

• Watch the weather reports to stay abreast of any impending severe storms
• Properly prepare the building by securing any lose items outside, moving items away from exterior glass frontage and unplugging electrical equipment
• Develop an emergency action plan to ensure employees have ample time to leave the premises and return home safely
• Following water damage, protect employees from the risk of mold developing by utilizing dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air
• Keep the area affected ventilated by opening doors and windows
• Ensure employees involved in cleanup efforts understand how to properly lift debris to avoid strains, operate heavy machinery and wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, hardhats, goggles, dust masks or respirators