Stay safe when it’s hot outside

Over the last week Bruche Associates have had an increase in calls and emails from our UK clients and their employees who are concerned about the high temperatures in their working environments. Luckily we have experience of working in many parts of the world where high temperatures are a regular occurrence.

Here is our general advice on the long, hot days of summer which can bring dangerously high temperatures. Bruche Associates has these steps employees and employers can follow to help stay safe when it’s hot outside.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-coloured clothing. Avoid dark colours because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.
• Postpone outdoor activities if possible.
• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
• Check on colleagues and employees, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• If you work with animals check on them frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
• If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should choose places to go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day.

About Bruche Associates Limited

Bruche Associates are an established Health & Safety and Continual Improvement Consultancy, which evolved out of the chemical and oil and gas industries. Bruche Associates Limited is a family run business overseen by Lee and Joanne Marsh who have over 35 years combined experience working in Healthcare Medical Services, Health & Safety Management and Training and Development. Lee qualified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in 1996 before moving into Health and Safety Management with ICI Paints. We work across a range of sectors from chemical manufacturing, engineering, trade & retail, and small & medium size businesses