Every change of season brings unique challenges to the workplace, and summer is no exception.
Every year, summer brings a host of new issues to the average workplace when it comes to safety. Accidents can and will happen. Here’s why:
There are a lot of new hires
From high school kids graduating school and joining the workforce to graduates of colleges, medical schools and trade schools, early summer always produces a new crop of young, eager workers.
Unfortunately, many of those workers will get thrown into their new jobs without adequate safety training for the hazards they encounter. Even when safety issues are addressed properly by management, inexperienced workers may still be unprepared for the realities of their danger.
The heat can be a problem
Heat-related illnesses are a serious problem in the summer months. It can be very difficult for people working roofing, landscaping, tourist attractions, construction and other outdoor venues to acclimate to the sudden increases in temperature.
Workers who are still adjusting to the rising temperatures need to stay hydrated and take plenty of breaks until their bodies adapt. In the meantime, it helps to “buddy up” with a co-worker to be on the lookout for heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other issues that can suddenly develop.
Tourists can add to the problems
In areas that see a lot of tourism, like Chicago, the summer months bring a huge influx of visitors – and that puts extra pressure on workers in many industries, particularly food service and hospitality to do their jobs as fast as possible.
The increased need for speed can easily lead to accidents in kitchens, while cleaning hotel rooms or even while directing parking at a local event.
One of the most important things that Illinois workers need to know is that they are most likely covered under the state’s workers’ compensation program if they suffer an on-the-job injury. If you suffer a workplace injury at any time, you have the right to seek benefits.
