Summer not only brings sunshine and fun but also an increased risk of workplace injuries. From dehydration and sunburns to cuts and insect bites, each risk requires a specific response.
Custom first aid kits can play a vital role in safeguarding against common summer workplace injuries. Tailored to the specific needs and environments of different workplaces, these kits provide comprehensive protection and treatment solutions.
With summer right around the corner, we put together a list of the most common summer injuries and ailments along with some tips on how to prevent and treat them.
1. Cuts and Scrapes
During the summer months, outdoor work and increased activity can lead to a higher incidence of cuts and scrapes while on the job. These injuries, often minor yet common, can become serious if not properly treated.
Prevention: There are several proactive measures that can be taken to prevent cuts and scrapes, including wearing personal protective equipment, using appropriate safety products, regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment, keeping workspaces clean and free from debris, and providing proper safety training.
First Aid Treatment: For minor cuts, clean the wound with soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover with a sterile bandage. For more serious lacerations, apply pressure to stop bleeding and seek medical attention immediately.
Dentec’s Custom Kits: Include all you needs for wound care, such as antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, a variety of bandages, and sterile gauze pads. Our first aid kits can be tailored to the specific needs of different work environments, ensuring you’re always prepared.
2. Burns
Burns can become a common workplace injury during any season including summer, particularly for those working with hot equipment, machinery, or performing tasks that involve open flames or heated surfaces. Burns can range from minor to severe, requiring prompt and proper treatment.
Prevention: Preventing burns in the workplace involves several important measures: wearing personal protective gear such as gloves, safety goggles, and face shields, using properly maintained equipment, keeping a clean and organized workspace, and conducting regular safety training.
First Aid Treatment: For the immediate aftercare of minor burns, apply emergency burn care treatments, which provide cooling relief and reduces the risk of skin damage. Ensure the area is cooled under running water before application and cover lightly with a sterile dressing.
Dentec’s Custom Kits: Customize your first aid kits for environments with thermal hazards by including everything you need for effective burn treatment such as Burnshield’s foam-based dressings, hydrogels and sprays, and fire/trauma blankets.
3. Insect Bites and Stings
Insect bites and stings are common for those working outdoors during the summer or in environments where insects are prevalent. While often minor, these injuries can lead to severe allergic reactions or even infections if not properly managed.
Prevention: To help protect workers and prevent insect bites and stings, there are several proactive measures that can be taken including using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, avoiding scented products, keeping work areas clean, and providing employee training.
First Aid Treatment: For insect bites, apply a hydrocortisone cream or a calamine lotion. For stings, first make sure to remove the stinger, and then use ice to reduce any swelling. Ensure that employees with insect allergies have access to proper medical treatments, and that their coworkers are aware of emergency procedures in case of an allergic reaction.
When working in areas that are prone to ticks, having a tick removal kit is essential. Use the tools provided to carefully remove the tick without squeezing its body, as doing so can increase the risk of infection.
Dentec’s Custom Kits: Our custom first aid kits can be personalized to include SkeetSafe® insect repellent, antihistamines, sting relief pads, and our specialized tick removal kits, providing comprehensive protection and treatment for insect-related incidents.
4. Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a prevalent summer workplace concern, particularly for employees working in hot environments or performing strenuous activities. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats, which if not promptly addressed can escalate to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition.
Prevention: Preventing heat exhaustion in the workplace can involve many strategies to keep employees hydrated and cool such as providing proper hydration, scheduling strenuous tasks during cooler times of day, setting up shaded or air-conditioned rest areas, ensure workers wear light, breathable clothing, and educating employees.
First Aid: If an employee shows signs of heat exhaustion, move the affected worker to a cool, shaded area or air-conditioned space, have them drink water or an electrolyte replacement drink, encourage them to rest by having them lay down, and cool the body by removing excess clothing and applying wet cloths, towels, sponges, ice packs, or cooling wraps.
Dentec’s Custom Kits: Stock up on Sqwincher® hydration products and Thermo-Cool™ wraps, alongside rehydration solutions and reflective sun shields to combat the harsh effects of heat.
5. Sunburns
For those who work outdoors during the summer months, particularly for extended periods, the risk of sunburn is very high. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage skin, leading to painful burns, redness, and peeling. Beyond the discomfort, repeated sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Prevention: To prevent sunburns for employees who work outdoors, there are several key measures such as minimizing sun exposure during peak UV radiation hours, providing and encouraging the application of sunscreen, wearing protective clothing such as long sleeve shirts, long pants, and full-brim hats and hard hats.
First Aid: If a sunburn occurs, move the affected employee out of direct sunlight, cool the skin, provide proper hydration, and apply a soothing lotion.
Dentec’s Custom Kits: Customize a first aid kit specifically for employees who work outdoors for extended periods by including Dentec sunscreen, Burnshield® hydrogel and sprays to immediately cool and soothe sunburnt skin, and our full-brim hard hats for added sun protection.
Be Ready for Anything with Dentec Safety
Summer brings unique challenges to workplace safety, but with Dentec Safety’s custom kitting abilities and specialized products, your team can enjoy the season with confidence.
From heat stress prevention programs to the soothing relief of Burnshield after burn care, our products are designed to address and mitigate summer risks. Prepare your workforce with the best in safety solutions, because at Dentec Safety, we’re not just about products, we’re about protecting people.
For more information, or to customize your summer safety kits, contact our safety specialists today. Let us help you keep your team safe and prepared for whatever the summer throws your way.
Dentec Safety is a leading manufacturer and distributor of safety products in the North America since 2004. Dentec Safety is dedicated to providing the highest quality safety products and solutions delivering enhanced value and comfort. Our expertise from decades of experience in Industrial Safety and our innovative design technologies have solidified us as thought leaders in the field. Protection and comfort are at the core of everything we do at Dentec. As a leading manufacturer of Safety Solutions, it is our mission to help organizations do the right thing, keep their employees safe and exceed Industry Health & Safety Standard.
