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Longer days and sunshine make it feel like the perfect time to crack into work. But while summer brings good vibes, it also brings its own set of risks. No matter the season, hazards don’t take a break, and the hot weather can put extra pressure on your team.

So, what steps are you taking to keep everyone safe from the heat and the harsh summer sun?

Sun safety is just the start

We all know the basics: Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap to reduce the risk of sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer. But heat can be just as dangerous. Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and fatigue can creep up quickly if you are not prepared.

Know the signs

Early signs of heat stress include heat rash and heat cramps. Spotting them early can help prevent things from getting worse. If you’ve got underlying health conditions that might be affected by extreme heat, make sure someone at work knows. Pay close attention to these two major conditions:

1. Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion happens when the body overheats from losing too much water and salt through sweat. If you don’t act fast, it can develop into heat stroke.

2. Heat stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature hits 39.4°C or higher and the body can no longer cool itself down. This is serious and needs urgent medical attention.

💡Check out this resource that gives some handy tips on symptoms and treatment options for common heat-related stress.

Manage the risks

Plan ahead

The sun is strongest between 10am and 4pm. Take regular breaks, work in the shade where possible, and consider shifting physically demanding tasks to cooler parts of the day.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not feeling thirsty. Sweating means you’re losing fluids fast.

Cover up

Slip on a top. Slop on some sunscreen. Slap on a hat. Wrap on a pair of sunnies. It sounds simple because it is but most of us don’t bother, and outdoor workers in the UK are at real risk of skin damage from UV rays, even when it’s cloudy.

Don’t wait until you can feel the burn. By then, the damage is already done.

Listen to your body

Feeling light-headed, tired, or short of breath? Take a break. Heat stress builds quickly and can affect how well you think and move—and that’s when incidents happen.

Keep the conversation going

Make heat and UV exposure a regular Toolbox topic. This is a simple and effective way to keep your team aware of this often-overlooked hazard. And remember, you can record all your Toolbox meetings easily in the HazardCo App.

Need expert advice?

If you’ve got questions or want to chat about the risks on your site, our Advisory Team is here to help. Give us a call 020 4571 3920