Long sunny days and warm summer nights are things that most people look forward to year round. There’s plenty to see and do in the summer, which is always a great morale boost for your employees. But, it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt on the job.
As a responsible business owner, you should make sure you're prepared for accident and illness risks at the jobsite. A comprehensive workers compensation insurance policy can help.
Top 3 Workers Compensation Risks to Be Aware of This Summer
1. Heat-Related Illness
The hot summer sun is ideal for a weekend spent out by the pool. But, working long hours in full sunlight can increase the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. These conditions could easily harm employees.
Look out for these common signs of heat exhaustion if you or your employees are working outdoors:
- Weakness
- Excessive sweating
- Persistent/rapid heartbeat
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness or confusion
2. Sunburns and Skin Cancer
Some states recognize skin cancer as an occupational disease within certain industries. Even a few hours of working out in the sun can lead to an uncomfortable and possibly hazardous sunburn. If a sunburn blisters or becomes infected, employees might face more serious conditions. These could keep them from returning to work.
But, the most severe risk of prolonged sun exposure is skin cancer. To help employees and avoid a possible workers’ comp claim, encourage them to take protective steps. Make sure they wear 30 SPF sunscreen, at minimum. They should also take regular breaks out of the sun and wear protective clothing. Many outdoor workers prefer to wear long sleeves and long pants as better protection.
3. Power Outages
Most summer workers compensation risks affect those who work outdoors. However, as temperatures rise, the risk of power outages increases as well. Outages can put your employees at risk of many different injuries. These may include slips and falls, equipment operation injuries and more.
Protect Your Business with Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
With the summer here, now is the perfect time to review your business insurance policy.
With the right workers compensation coverage, it's easy to protect your employees in the event of an accident on the job. Give yourself peace of mind. Invest in a policy that protects your employees and your bottom line.
HIS Insurance & Service can help you find great coverage at an affordable rate. Call us at (800) 240-3654 to get a fast, free workers compensation insurance quote.