Staying Safe in Summer Heat
By Matt Rehlander
As we march through the summer, the weather continues to be a concern. With temperatures and humidity increasing, proper hydration is a continual concern; please remember that coffee, soda, energy drinks, alcohol, and similar types of drinks do not provide what our bodies need to deal with extreme temperatures and humidity.
Water is still the best; however, too much water can also make the kidneys work too hard. There is a correct balance, and information and tools are available to guide you based on your location. One great tool is the OSHA/NIOSH Heat App that you can put on your mobile device (Apple and Android. App Stores).
The increase in temperatures also generates unpredictable weather, from severe thunderstorms that can generate heavy rains that lead to flooding to tornados. Hurricanes can cause major flooding, high winds, and damage well inland from the coasts.
August also means back to school in many areas. The push to get one more summer vacation in means more vehicles on the roads. Driving remains one of the highest risks we face.
Along with more vehicles on the roads is the risk we face in our work zones near and along the roadways. The Regional Safety Advisors have recently become certified by the National Safety Council as work zone flagging instructors to ensure everyone has the training they need to help keep our teams safe while working.
Our In-House Driver Trainers (Competent Persons) training will be launched in August to qualify our drivers to drive their company vehicles safely and professionally.
Another tool that is being tested is an EHS Digital reporting platform app. This tool aims to make reporting easier, quicker, and more accurate. Giving everyone an app for their mobile device that is more user-friendly and real-time dashboards to make it easier to see results, trends, and improve results (more to come on the progress of this initiative.)
The right thing to do is to focus on keeping ourselves and our teammates safe and lowering our risk tolerance.
It is good for everyone, makes our organization a safe workplace, and increases our profitability.
The EHS & Risk Team stands ready to be the resource to guide everyone on this journey.
Remember, SAFETY IS EVERYONE’s RESPONSIBILITY.
I’m Matt Rehlander for National OnDemand, and let’s be safe out there.
