14 Oct Four summer workplace hazards businesses should plan for
Summer brings long days, dry conditions, and a rush to finish work before Christmas. Some hazards get worse in the heat, and a few only appear at this time of year.
This article covers four that catch New Zealand businesses out most often. New and seasonal workers and UV exposure matter in summer too, but we’ve covered them in our spring hazards article.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Your duties depend on your business and the work you do.
1. Fire risk
Dry grass, hot machinery and wind mean a small spark can become a large fire quickly. This is a risk for rural, civil, construction and workshop sites, and for any business near vegetation.
How to reduce the risk:
- Check the fire season status for your area at www.checkitsalright.nz before any outdoor fire or hot work. A restricted season means a permit is required, and a prohibited season is a total fire ban.
- Use a hot work permit for welding, grinding and cutting. Keep someone watching the area for a set time afterwards.
- Clear dry grass and rubbish from work areas and from where vehicles park.
- Keep fire extinguishers in date and in vehicles that go onto dry sites.
- Re-check your evacuation plan and assembly point, especially if your layout has changed.
Tip: Add hot work to your hazard register and write a safe operating procedure for it before the dry weather starts.
2. Heat in sheds, vehicles and PPE
Heat is not just an outdoor problem. Sheds, warehouses, kitchens and parked vehicles get hot, and PPE such as overalls, respirators and hard hats traps heat. Heat also affects concentration and decision-making before anyone feels unwell.
How to reduce the risk:
- Give workers time to adjust. People starting hot work, or returning from leave, are most at risk in their first few days.
- Provide cool drinking water and a shaded or cool place to rest.
- Move heavy tasks to cooler parts of the day.
- Ventilate hot buildings and check that fans and air conditioning work before the heat arrives.
- Make sure workers know the signs of heat illness: headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion. Treat heat stroke as an emergency.
For employer duties and more detail, see our article on working in the heat. WorkSafe’s guidance on working safely in extreme temperatures is also worth reading.
3. Wasps and other stinging insects
Wasp numbers build through summer and into autumn. Nests turn up in roof spaces, gardens, timber stacks and long grass, and a disturbed nest can lead to multiple stings. People who are allergic can have a serious reaction.
How to reduce the risk:
- Check for nests before work in vegetation, roof spaces, sheds, and around buildings.
- Do not disturb a nest. Mark the area and arrange professional removal.
- Ask workers to tell you about severe allergies, and make sure anyone who carries an adrenaline auto-injector keeps it with them on site.
- Keep food and sweet drinks covered outdoors.
- Stock first aid supplies and make sure people know to call 111 for a severe reaction.
4. End-of-year pressure and workplace functions
December often means long days, tight deadlines, and tired people trying to finish before the break. Rushed work leads to skipped steps, and fatigue raises the risk of vehicle and machinery incidents. Work functions add another risk, because your duties can extend to events you host.
How to reduce the risk:
- Plan realistic workloads for December and set limits on long shifts.
- Keep breaks and normal safety checks in place, even when the schedule is tight.
- For work functions, set clear expectations on alcohol, provide food and non-alcoholic options, and arrange safe transport home.
- Plan your shutdown early. Our Christmas shutdown checklist covers what to do before you close.
Review your hazards before the heat arrives
Take half an hour at the start of summer to review your hazard register.
Add the seasonal hazards that apply to you, check your controls still work, and brief your team.
Key actions:
- Update your hazard register with fire, heat, wasps and end-of-year workload.
- Write or review a safe operating procedure for hot work.
- Run a toolbox talk on heat illness and wasp nests before the busy period.
- Check your evacuation plan and fire extinguishers.
Our guide to identifying hazards in the workplace is a good starting point.
Need help improving your workplace health and safety systems?
Hasmate’s health and safety software makes it easier to track hazards and update controls. We also offer ready-made and custom health and safety documents, including safe operating procedures.
Start your free 30-day trial or book a free online demonstration.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss.