After two years of pandemic sheltering and social distancing, Americans are more than ready for travel vacations and plenty of soaking up the sun in outdoor community events. Many companies nationwide are throwing summertime workplace bashes and engaging employees in outdoor teambuilding adventures.
But while summers are typically packed with social gatherings quaint and colossal, people often are unaware or ignore basic safety precautions.
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
To help your employees, clients, customers and visitors stay safe on your property and throughout your community, consider the following summer safety tips.
Wear sunscreen daily
Applying sunscreen every day will help you prevent skin cancer and reduce wrinkles. The American Academy of Dermatology advises a broad-spectrum sunscreen with water resistance and a SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen alone cannot fully protect you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. If you will be outside on sunny days, dermatologists recommend wearing sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
Limit time in the sun
The sun’s intensity is strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Seek shade or stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day. For those that work outside in the heat, be sure to take more frequent breaks in shade.
Keep well-hydrated
For optimum body functioning, it is important to stay hydrated. In the heat of summer, you lose more body fluids through sweat. Your body is about 55% to 78% water and high heat and humidity can cause you to dehydrate quickly. Drink water often when you plan to be outdoors for stretches of time. Eating high-water content foods such as melons, lettuce and cucumbers will also help with hydration.
Swim wisely
Any body of water from a shallow pool to a lake or river can be dangerous if you do not take practice safety precautions. Never overestimate your swimming abilities and do not swim alone. Drinking alcoholic beverages before you get in the water is not smart. Also note that public swimming areas can carry several bacteria and viruses, even from human waste. Be sure you swim only in clean, chlorinated, pH-balanced pools.
Drive defensively
With more vacationers and travelers on the road during summer, it is important to drive alert and with extra caution. Keep your cell phone out of reach and your eyes on the road. If you are under the influence, wait and sober up before getting behind the wheel or use a designated driver.
Pay attention to thunder and lightning
In some states, summertime thunderstorms are as common as the sun itself. The National Weather Service reports that while 10 percent of people who are struck by lightning die, the remaining 90 percent suffer varying degrees of disability. For lightning safety, the general rule is 30-30. Once you see lightning, count to 30. If thunder roars before you reach 30, go indoors.
Eat smart and safely
Fresh fruits and vegetables are bountiful in summer. Grow your own produce or stop by a farmer’s market or local produce stand for healthy, nutrient-rich selections. With picnic and barbeques popular this time of year, be sure to chill, cook and store foods appropriately to avoid contamination and food-borne illnesses.
Drink appropriately
While those fruity umbrella drinks may be calling your name at the company party or neighborhood gathering, go easy on drinking adult beverages in the heat. Stay hydrated with water, coconut water or seltzer water while you sip on an alcoholic drink.
Guard your hearing
From concerts and music festivals to sporting events and motorcycle rallies, summers are raucous with loud noises. Thunderous noises above 120 decibels can permanently damage your hearing. Wear a pair of high-quality ear plugs if you attend any sound-heightened activity.
Check your vehicle
Be sure to check your vehicle thoroughly for any children or pets who may still be inside when you lock your doors. Even with ambient temperatures in the 70s, a vehicle’s interior can quickly heat to 120.
Prevent accidental fires
Overcooking the burgers is one thing but letting the cookout flames get out of control is quite another. Whether you’re grilling on the patio or toasting marshmallows over the firepit, keep an eye on fire flareups or hot ashes that can escape. Keeping a fire extinguisher or water hose nearby is always a good idea. Also heed any fire danger warnings and burn bans at home or wherever you travel.
Watch where you step
Remember that you share the outdoors with all kinds of creatures including bees, wasps, snakes and alligators. Whether you’re chasing frisbees on the office lawn or adventuring in scenic parks or conquering hiking trails, always wear appropriate shoes and keep your eyes focused on where you step.
Wherever you work and play this summer, stay safe! And remember to call Midwest Maintenance for your year-round custodial and disinfecting services at your commercial buildings.
Whether it be office, industrial, healthcare, educational or arena/convention spaces, take advantage of our complimentary cleaning and environmental services assessment. Just give us a call at 1.866.866.5850 or email us at service@midwestinc.net.