Oh the weather outside is… ahh actually, it’s delightful, spring has sprung and we’re thinking about being outside. Although it’s not all sunlounges and bike rides, some of us will be working.
If you or your employees will be working outside there are a few health and safety matters to consider.
Weather and Temperature
The weather can have a great impact when working outdoors. Short and long-term risks to employee’s health need to be assessed, mitigated and managed.
- Ensure appropriate clothing and PPE are supplied and advice given over covering up, keeping warm and keeping dry.
- Sun cream, shade and regular hydration are essentials once the sun is out and the weather heats up.
- Spring sunshine is often misleading and it’s not as warm as it looks. As in winter heating may be required to create a suitable and safe environment.
- While you can’t see it remember the wind has risk factors, this could be dust blown up by the wind, wind chill or unnoticed exposure to the sun while a cool breeze blows.
Food and Drink
In cold environments, there needs to be the availability of warm fluids such as hot drinks or soup. Also, you must make sure drinking water is available during hot weather.
In warm environments, facilities to keep food that employees have brought along themselves cool, will help prevent illness and time off due to contaminated food.
Allergies
Springtime tree pollen and summer grass pollens can cause allergic reactions. Masks, glasses, gloves and other protective equipment will help prevent allergic reactions and ensure efficiency and productivity.
Deliveries
Don’t forget while delivery drivers will be in their vehicles much of the time, they will be working outdoors, lifting, carrying and delivering products to customers houses and businesses. Their work and processes including manual handling should be risk assessed and appropriately managed.
Lone Working
When working outdoors, employees could be working on their own the usual lone working practises need to be followed.
A robust risk assessment carried out by a competent individual will allow you to consider, mitigate and manage risk and help to ensure your staff are safe, efficient and productive.
While the weather is not longer frightful, your working environment shouldn’t be either. Think about the situations and environments of your teams and help them to be safe and strengthen your business.