Summertime is here and along with it come certain seasonal health and wellness risks in the workplace. Here are a few tips to help keep you safe and sane during this summer:
7 Summer Sanity-Safety Tips for the Workplace
1. Dress appropriately.
When the warmer season starts to come in, respond to the change in climate by dressing appropriately. Wear clothes that will let your body breathe so you don’t suffer from heatstroke. If your workplace has a cool air conditioning system, it is best to dress up in layers that allow you to take off or put on additional items of clothing to keep you comfy.
2. Stay hydrated.
If there’s one thing you should avoid during the strong summer heat, it is dehydration. Drink as much water and fluid as you can to keep your body hydrated, especially when the summer season hits its hottest. Just take note that it is still healthier to consume water than any other drink.
3. Stay cool.
The changes in temperature brought about by the changes in the season will play a huge part in the level of comfort in your workplace. A good way to motivate productivity at work is to give your people proper cooling and ventilation all-year-round, especially in places with high-heat production. If you haven’t had the chance for an HVAC check-up, set an appointment with industry professionals for testing, adjusting, and balancing immediately.
4. Know first-aid basics.
How many of your people know first-aid basics? Or at least how to spot the signs and symptoms of a heat stroke? During this season’s scorching months, it is in your company’s best interest if people know the basic first-aid treatment. This skill will prove useful in an emergency. It’s better to always be safe than sorry.
5. Use sunscreen.
If your work requires you to stay out in the sun for most of the day, keep yourself covered and apply sunscreen now then throughout the day. Preferably, an SPF of 15 or higher to keep you protected from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
Make it a habit to check the local weather forecast so you can anticipate extra hot days. Doing this will allow you to plan your schedule and tasks accordingly.
6. Be mindful of what you eat.
Extreme weather has adverse effects on our food. Whether it’s too hot or too cold, our food gets affected by the changes in climate. Summertime may be the perfect time for barbecues, but make sure that before you offer or serve leftover fruits or food with cheese, they’re properly refrigerated. Otherwise, you’re putting yourself and other people at risk of foodborne illnesses.
7. Enjoy life outside work.
Make sure you have a healthy work-life balance. Here’s one fact about work: it never stops. Whatever happens, work will always be there. You should know how to draw the line between work life and your personal life. Not everything should revolve around work.
Work is essential but other aspects of your life need your time and attention such as your family and self-care.
As summer rolls in, make sure you and your workplace are prepared to face its challenges head-on without losing your sanity. Stay safe and healthy and have a happy summer!