Summer brings longer days, sunshine, and endless opportunities for small businesses. From outdoor events to seasonal promotions, it’s a vibrant and busy time for many industries. But with the heat and hustle come challenges that small business owners can’t afford to overlook. Ensuring your team and customers are safe from summer-related health risks is essential for smooth operations.

Common Summer Health Risks In The Workplace

Before we jump into the solutions, let's address the most common health risks small businesses face during the summer months:

Heat Exhaustion And Heat Stroke

High temperatures can easily lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for workers or customers exposed to prolonged heat or direct sunlight. Early warning signs include dizziness, rapid heartbeat, headaches, and heavy sweating. If untreated, heat exhaustion can progress into life-threatening heat stroke.

Dehydration

Summer’s hot weather increases the body's need for hydration. Dehydration creeps up fast and can leave your employees or customers feeling fatigued and unfocused. Severe dehydration symptoms include dry mouth, sunken eyes, and confusion.

Sunburn

For businesses hosting outdoor activities or events, sunburn is a common yet underestimated risk. Even brief exposure to direct sunlight without protection can cause discomfort and increase long-term risks such as skin cancer.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to insect bites, stings, or environmental allergens spike during summer. If someone at your workplace is allergic to bee stings or other allergens, swift action can be life-saving.

Top First Aid Tips For Small Businesses This Summer

Now that we've outlined the risks, here’s how to prepare and respond effectively with proper first aid measures.

1. Invest In A Fully Stocked First Aid Kit

Every small business should have a readily accessible, well-stocked first aid kit designed to tackle summer-specific issues. Your kit should include:

• Cooling packs to reduce body temperature.

• Aloe vera gel or burn cream for sunburn relief.

• Electrolyte packets to combat dehydration.

• Antihistamines for allergies.

• Bug repellent to minimize insect bites.

Consider customizing your kit based on your business’s needs. For example, a landscaping company may need extra cooling packs and sunscreen compared to an indoor retail store.

2. Train Your Staff In First Aid

Knowledgeable employees can make all the difference in a medical emergency. Host a first aid training seminar or provide your team with online courses to ensure they can confidently handle summer-related health issues such as heat exhaustion or allergic reactions. Training programs often cover:

• Recognizing symptoms of heat stroke and dehydration.

• Administering CPR if required.

• Treating bites and stings effectively.

Encourage your team to confidently and actively engage in creating a safer workplace.

3. Offer Shade And Cooling Stations

If your business requires outdoor operations, shade, and cooling stations are indispensable. Set up shaded areas where employees and customers can escape direct sunlight. Include fans, misters, or portable AC units to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Ensure these cooling spots are clearly marked and easily accessible throughout the day.

4. Have An Action Plan For Heat-Related Emergencies

What happens if heat exhaustion or sunstroke does occur on your premises? Having a clear plan ensures quick and effective action. Here's what to include:

1. Move the individual to a cool, shaded area immediately.

2. Apply cold packs or water to reduce their temperature.

3. Ensure they sip water slowly but avoid immediately consuming large quantities.

4. If symptoms worsen (such as confusion or fainting), call emergency services immediately.

Train your staff to recognize when professional help is required so there’s no delay in addressing critical situations.

5. Address Allergies And Bites Swiftly

For outdoor businesses, always be prepared for insect bites or potential allergic reactions:

• Offer bug repellents as part of the uniform or make them available at your premises.

• Train staff on using antihistamines and how to identify symptoms of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).

• Keep EpiPens or other doctor-approved tools for customers or team members with severe allergies, but use them only with the correct training and consent.

Stay ahead by educating your team and being fully equipped to tackle any incident.

Since 2005, Quikstone Capital Solutions has been a trusted advisor to thousands of merchants. Quikstone provides these merchants with easy, fast, and flexible working capital for all their business needs. If you need cash for your business, contact us today. We have only one goal: to help your business succeed.