Workers’ Comp: Summer Safety for Seasonal Industries in New Jersey

New Jersey’s dynamic seasonal industries fuel the state’s economy. From landscaping and construction to tourism and hospitality, these businesses rely heavily on a healthy and productive workforce. However, summer’s sunshine and warm temperatures can introduce unique safety hazards. Appropriately protecting employees with workers comp insurance in NJ is crucial for your business’s security and employees’ well-being. 

The inrush of tourists and the nature of seasonal work frequently necessitate rapid hiring and training, raising the risk of workplace accidents and injuries. These fluctuating conditions make implementing effective summer safety protocols crucial to ensuring a safe work environment, minimizing the risk of workplace injuries, and reducing workers’ comp insurance in NJ costs.  

Understanding Summer Safety

Prioritizing summer safety in seasonal industries benefits both the business and its employees. Workplace injuries can lead to significant financial burdens, including medical expenses, lost wages, and increased workers’ compensation insurance premiums. 

The National Safety Council estimates the average cost per employee of a workplace injury to be over $1,000 — or much higher in cases of medical consultations. Implementing effective summer safety measures can significantly reduce these costs, protecting your bottom line and ensuring your business’s financial health.

More importantly, as a business owner, you have the power to safeguard the well-being of your employees. By proactively addressing potential hazards, you create a work environment that minimizes the risk of heat-related illnesses, dehydration, slips, falls, and other summer-specific dangers. 

Identifying Seasonal Safety Risks

Seasonal industries face a variety of safety risks during the summer months. Here are some common concerns:

• Heat-related illnesses: High temperatures and humidity can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration.
• Outdoor work hazards: Exposure to prolonged sunlight increases the risk of sunburn, insect bites, and skin cancer. Uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, and falling objects can also harm outdoor workers.
• Increased workload challenges: Seasonal demands often lead to longer work hours and increased physical exertion, heightening fatigue and contributing to accidents. Read our post on how summer heat poses additional risks for HVAC contractors.

Recognizing and addressing these specific hazards is the first step toward creating a safer summer work environment for your employees.

Implementing Effective Summer Safety Protocols

Here are some practical tips on implementing summer safety protocols for your seasonal business in New Jersey:

• Heat stress prevention: Develop a heat stress prevention plan that includes regular hydration breaks with access to cool water and electrolyte-rich beverages. Schedule work during cooler morning and evening hours whenever possible, and provide shaded areas for rest breaks.
• Proper attire: Encourage employees to wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural fibers like cotton. Light-colored clothing helps reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses offer protection from the sun.
• Outdoor work precautions: Provide sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and encourage frequent reapplication. Train workers to identify and avoid hazards like uneven terrain, trip hazards, and falling objects.
• Emergency preparedness: Develop an emergency action plan for heat-related illnesses. This plan should include first aid training for designated personnel and easy access to a phone for calling emergency services.
• Equipment maintenance: Ensure all equipment is maintained and functioning correctly before each use. Overheated equipment can malfunction and pose safety risks.
• Proper training: Train all employees on summer safety protocols, including heat stress prevention, recognizing the signs of heat-related illnesses, proper hydration techniques, and safe work practices specific to your industry. You can find resources and training materials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Promoting Summer Safety

Prioritizing summer safety is an investment in your employees’ well-being and your business’s success. By fostering a safety culture and implementing these summer safety protocols, you can significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries and ensure a productive and successful season for your business in New Jersey.

Contact Dickstein Associates Agency today to discuss your workers’ compensation insurance needs and ensure you have the right coverage for a safe and productive summer season. We can help you tailor a plan that provides comprehensive protection for your business and workforce.