Summer Jobsite Safety

Summer isn’t quite here yet, but since June is National Safety Month, we’ve decided to get into the festivities a little early. Jobsite safety is a year ‘round concern for American Aerial Services, but each season comes with its own challenges. Because we’re all safer when we work together, we’re sharing some simple tips anyone can use onsite to preserve life and limb this summer.

Understand Summer Dangers

In brief, there are a number of hazards unique to working in the summer. Toxic plants like poison ivy and poison oak, lightning strikes, sunstroke, heat stroke, sunburn, high winds, heavy rains — there’s a lot to be mindful of, and each of us does our part in mitigating the danger.

Keeping Jobsites Safe

In some respects, the fundamentals are the same year ‘round. But it’s easy to get lazy and to assume that we can cut corners, especially when fatigue is getting the best of us and we just want to wrap up and head home. Don’t. Those lapses can have serious consequences. Here’s where to start:

Eat Well and Hydrate

You might wonder what diet has to do with safety. More than you’d think! To begin with, heavy meals leave you drowsy, so it’s best to eat light. For another thing, foods go bad faster in higher temperatures. If you don’t have an insulated lunch bag and plenty of ice packs, you’ll want to avoid anything that’s prone to spoilage; bringing tuna sandwiches, potato salad, or anything else with mayonnaise isn’t a great idea. 

Fluids are also a must, since dehydration leads to fatigue, poor decision making, and injury. Keep caffeine and sugar to a minimum to avoid further dehydration and yo-yoing blood sugar. That said, Gatorade and other drinks with added electrolytes are a good idea since they’ll help replace fluids and minerals you’re sweating out — just keep an eye on sugar content.

Watch the Forecast and Plan Accordingly

Weather can be unpredictable any time of year, but it can be especially difficult to pin down in the summer, with freak weather — winds, midday showers, even the stray tornado warning — seemingly coming from out of nowhere. If you know there’s going to be a period of high heat, plan around it as well as possible, doing more of your work in the morning and evening hours. Just make sure you have enough supplemental light and reflective gear to avoid accidents. And make foul weather prep an integral part of your safety planning.

Remember Your PPE

Yes, we know. It’s hot out, and you’ve got perspiration pouring out of places you didn’t even know could sweat. That’s no excuse to skimp on personal protective equipment. Follow best practices and stick to your safety plan for everyone’s sake.

Stay Covered

When the sun is beating down, it’s important to cover what you can — even though that means wearing long pants and using plenty of sunscreen — in order to stay safe. Sunburn isn’t just uncomfortable; repeated exposure can lead to skin cancer. Make sure clothing is lightweight, light colored, and breathable, long enough to provide sun protection, and that it’s not too loose so that it’s not a hazard around tools and machinery.

Follow Up With Your Crew

Your crew can be well-trained and well-intentioned, but we’re all only human. It’s easy to forget things, especially when you’re so focused on the task at hand that you’re not necessarily keeping your own safety top of mind. That’s why it’s important for supervisors and foremen to keep an eye out for their teams, making sure safety rules are being followed, proper breaks taken, and well-being ensured. As we mentioned earlier, American Aerial Services takes safety as seriously as we take the quality of our work. Our crews are drug tested, and have trained to the standards of OSHA, the NCCCA, and AISC. For a partner that’s as mindful of your crews’ safety as we are of our own, reach out to us for a full range of crane rentals, Maine steel erecting services, and more.