Safety training is essential for any contractor, and regular safety meetings can share important information with entire crews, departments, and staff. Opting for specialized construction safety meeting topics for the summer is a great way to refresh and update safety procedures seasonally, but what topics are best to cover during the summer months? Why Have Construction Safety Meetings? Regular meetings are an easy way to share information, refresh training, and ensure that all employees are aware of essential safety procedures. This can help everyone be aware of risks and know what to do in case of an injury or accident, reducing any panic and ensuring the best possible response to potentially dangerous situations. These meetings should be part of regular professional development for all staff members, both new hires as well as more experienced employees, to be sure everyone thoroughly understands current procedures and policies. Furthermore, documenting meetings may also help reduce liability claims in case of any legal action, and regular safety training may even help lower insurance premiums. Regardless of the type of construction work performed, the size of the crews, or the extent of the business, safety meetings should be a regular feature of the work schedule. Summer Safety Meeting Topics Different seasons bring different types of construction projects to the business and can lead to different safety concerns and potential hazards. By opting for season-specific safety meeting topics, you can be sure your crews are prepared for anything they may face on any job site during the hottest and potentially busiest months of the year. While there are many topics that can be covered during the summer, key safety meeting discussions should include… Working Around Children Kids are out of school and may be less closely supervised during the summer, and many children are fascinated by construction equipment and new projects. Knowing how to watch for children and being alert to their presence is essential to keep a construction area safe. Heat Exhaustion and Sunstroke As temperatures rise and work hours may be longer with more daylight, the risks of heat exhaustion and sunstroke also increase. This meeting should cover the warning signs and symptoms of these dangerous conditions, as well as how to treat their effects. Proper Hydration Workers who wait until they feel thirsty before drinking are already dehydrated and at increased risk of serious health problems. Address how much hydration is needed in the summer as well as what types of beverages are best for safely staying hydrated on the work site. Bites and Stings Summer is the season of biting insects, including mosquitoes, bees, wasps, and ticks. Workers should know how to spot these pests, as well as what gear to wear to minimize bite risks and how to treat bites and any potential serious reactions. Keeping Cool Learning how to incorporate shade and shelter into a work site, proper use of fans, wearing protective gear in the heat, and other cooling tips can help keep construction workers cool even on the hottest summer days. Driving Safety Road construction projects are more common during the summer and traffic is heavier with vacationers on the road. Reviewing driving safety and covering summer driving tips is always a good idea for a summer safety meeting. Safe Summer Lunches Whether in the office or on a job site, workers should have appropriate lunches for the season, and those lunches should be safely stored to avoid foodborne illnesses. Discuss foods that can help with hydration as well as food storage and healthy options during this safety meeting. Look Out for Lightning More frequent and stronger thunderstorms can be a common hazard during the summer, and workers should know what weather resources to check, how to watch the skies, and what steps to take to secure the job site when bad weather threatens. Communicating With Your Crew When crew members take vacations and extra days off during the summer, there may be substitutes or new employees who aren’t as familiar with one another. Refreshing communication skills is critical to communicate all safety and job information effectively. Wildlife Safety and Regulations Summer is the season of baby animals of all shapes and sizes, including dens, burrows, and nests that might appear on or near the job site. Understanding local and federal laws about disturbing wildlife and what to do if animal families appear nearby is critical for summer safety. Keep Covering the Basics In addition to season-specific meeting topics, it’s always wise to refresh safety basics all year long. Additional topics that can be tweaked and personalized for summer construction safety meetings include: General workplace hazards Working around power lines First aid basics Recognizing unsafe conditions Proper lifting techniques Appropriate tool use and care Fire hazards and prevention Ladder use and safety Traffic control tips Safety signage and tagging Trip hazards Ear and eye protection By continuing to cover universal safety topics as well as seasonal concerns, you can be sure your employees and crews are well prepared for any conditions they may encounter during the busy summer months, and everyone will stay safe for productive work days.
