The Australian summer brings beautiful sunshine and warm weather but is also notorious for unforgiving heat. This extreme weather introduces a range of workplace safety concerns that demand immediate attention.
Regardless of whether you work indoors or outdoors, ensuring a safe and comfortable working environment for employees becomes an absolute necessity. In this article, we will delve into some summer workplace safety tips. By using these strategies, companies can ensure the health of their employees, safeguard them from potential summer hazards while promoting a productive and secure environment.
Summer safety tips for the workplace
Maintain hydration.
To effectively combat heat stress, it is crucial to prioritise hydration and keeping cool. During summer, dehydration poses a significant risk, particularly for those working outdoors. It is essential to encourage your employees to drink an ample amount of water throughout the day. Make sure they have convenient access to water stations and remind them to take regular breaks to rehydrate.
Dress in breathable clothes
When working in the scorching summer heat, proper attire is crucial. To keep your body cool and comfortable, opt for light-coloured, loose-fitting garments made from breathable fabrics. Don’t forget to shield yourself from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and applying sunscreen generously.
Prevent your skin from sun damage
Exposure to sunlight’s UV rays can cause skin cancer and eye damage. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer, with at least two in three Australians being diagnosed by age 70. Protect your skin by using SPF 40-50+ sunscreen, seeking shaded areas, and avoiding peak sunlight hours. Be aware and prepared for hot temperatures and remember to protect your skin even on cloudy days.
Ventilation for summer
Excessive heat and humidity can impede the efficiency of machinery and workers, leading to increased exhaustion, staff turnover, and decreased profitability. During the summer months, relying on natural airflow alone is often insufficient to keep your employees cool at work. Inadequate ventilation can lead to discomfort and even heat-related issues. It is essential to ensure that your workplace is equipped with different types of industrial fans to maintain a pleasant working environment.
Equipment care in the heat
Various types of industrial equipment, electronics, and machinery are extremely vulnerable to elevated temperatures. The operation or installation of equipment in extreme heat can lead to overheating, decreased performance, malfunctions, breakdowns, and expensive repairs. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the equipment can function safely and effectively within specific temperature ranges. Mechanical ventilation is a reliable solution that can effectively maintain the temperature of materials and equipment below their threshold levels.
How to stay cool at work in the summer
Ensuring a cool work environment is crucial to maintain the well-being of your employees. Exposure to extreme heat or working in hot environments can lead to occupational illnesses and injuries. In both industrial and commercial settings, there are various tactics and strategies available to effectively cool down your workplace. One highly efficient solution involves the use of industrial cooling and extraction fans working together to circulate cold air throughout the room and remove hot air that rises to the roof.
Mancoolers
Fanquip Mancoolers are a common choice for industrial and commercial workspaces, particularly during the summer months. These fans provide the perfect solution for busy work environments that require both comfortable temperatures and powerful ventilation. With its airflow control, the Mancooler Fan is able to provide targeted cooling in confined spaces, while also effectively removing contaminants such as dust, steam, or explosive gases. Made in Australia, these fans can also be equipped with wall and ceiling mounts, hydromisting kits, and hazardous ratings, ensuring unbeatable value even in the most challenging situations.
Giant fans
Fanquip’s Giant Industrial Fans are the ultimate solution for effective and ultra-quiet ventilation. These high-volume, low-speed fans not only keep your facility cool during warmer months but also combat moisture, condensation, and unpleasant odours. With fan sizes available up to 7m in diameter, these fans are recommended for cooling large areas due to their widespread coverage. This energy-efficient industrial cooling solution runs at a low cost with an IP65 water and dust-resistant brushless motor and integrated inverter with remote controls.
Air Circulators
Air Circulators play a crucial role in various commercial and industrial settings, providing a refreshing breeze and essential air circulation. By strategically installing these fans, you can significantly improve both the air quality and temperature of specific areas. With options for pedestal, ceiling, and wall mounts, Air circulator fans that can be placed on a pedestal mount are particularly popular due to their portability.
Wall and roof exhaust fans
Roof exhaust fans and wall extraction fans serve the purpose of reducing heat-load by expelling trapped hot air and suffocating air from the ceiling, roof, and side walls. This not only helps in cooling the facility but also enhances the quality of indoor air. By effectively removing stagnant air and replacing it with fresh outdoor air, these fans significantly minimise the risk of fungal growth and other moisture-related hazards, thereby improving the overall air quality within the building.
Air Curtains
The Fanquip Air Curtains are designed to create a powerful air barrier in front of doorways and entrances. With their high-speed airflow, these curtains effectively shield against dust, odours, and unwanted insects. Moreover, they serve as a dependable thermal guard, preventing the loss of chilled air from buildings and significantly reducing energy expenses associated with HVAC or refrigeration systems. These remarkable units comply with the demanding AQIS standards, making them ideal for industries like food and meat processing.
Transformer Cooling Fans
Transformer Cooling Fans are a crucial cooling solution that ensures the smooth and safe operation of transformers in industrial and commercial environments. With their low maintenance requirements and numerous safety advantages, investing in transformer cooling fans is imperative for any electrical system. Specifically designed for oil-cooled transformers, these fans effectively eliminate excessive heat by optimising airflow over the cooling fins.
Summer is a season filled with excitement, but it also brings about new safety challenges. As an employer, it is crucial to prioritise the well-being of your employees by implementing these essential tips for a safe summer. By promoting proper hydration, providing suitable clothing, and ensuring adequate ventilation in the workspace, you can create a secure and enjoyable environment for your team. This not only guarantees a productive summer but also ensures that it remains incident-free.
