With the summertime finally upon the UK, some industries will see a potential rise in seasonal risks. Whether it’s an accident at work or the weather conditions affecting the safety of the workplace, there are a few more common incidents that workers need to be aware of due to increased outdoors time.
Workers typically work long hours in sweltering heat to complete their tasks, which could have been impossible to complete in winter. Making an accident at work claim becomes important when serious injuries, such as forklift accidents, prevent you from working.
Dehydration
When your body loses high amounts of water or you don’t have enough water, you may become dehydrated. A temperature of 38°C or above, having diabetes, and heat stroke are a few factors that can contribute to quick dehydration.
Some symptoms of dehydration, according to the NHS, are:
- Dizziness
- Extreme thirst
- Tiredness
- Dryness of mouth, eyes, and lips
Drinking fluids in small sips when you feel any symptoms will aid you to keep dehydration at bay. You should drink fluids throughout the day to ensure your body can cool itself down adequately.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a serious concern when working outdoors in the summer. When the body isn’t able to cool down quickly or it’s exposed to high temperatures for too long, you may suffer a heat-related illness.
Being exposed to extreme heat can cause the main organs in the body to shut down, with some symptoms being the following according to the NHS:
- Dizziness and confusion
- Headache
- A temperature of 38°C or above
- Feeling sick and having loss of appetite
- Fast pulse or breathing
- Intense thirst
- Clammy and pale skin
- Excessive sweating
- Stomach, arm, and leg cramps
Should anyone begin to present these symptoms, they require to be cooled down immediately to avoid the progression into a heat stroke.
Slips, Falls, and Trips
Whether related to heat stroke or dehydration symptoms, having a work-related injury caused by slipping, falling or tripping can be common in summer. With outdoor construction elements being prevalent, tripping over them can cause a head injury or a broken bone. Wearing appropriate footwear and being alert can help to prevent such an accident.
Accidents with Vehicles
An increase in road construction or building construction in summer months will increase the use of on-site machinery. With the potential of the heat causing distraction or the symptoms of both dehydration and heat stroke clouding judgement, work-related road injuries tend to occur.
Road traffic accidents must also be taken into consideration, as road construction work can prove to be fatal should a worker be hit by a passing car. In addition to this, heavy vehicles making use of public roads to enter and exit signs pose an accident risk if not driven by someone who is either adequately trained to manoeuvre, or road traffic don’t pay attention to construction warnings and signage.
Work accidents in the summer can often be related to heat exposure, as dizziness can make workers fall from heights. Although work safety is a requirement for all employers, work accidents can still occur and can be fatal. Get in touch with our team on 01772 562084 for advice and help on making a claim on an accident related to work.