As the UK heads into summer, longer days and (hopefully!) warmer weather bring a seasonal boost—but also fresh health and safety challenges for both indoor and outdoor workers.
Whether you’re managing a construction site, waste operations, grounds maintenance or logistics, it’s essential to adjust your approach as the environment changes. Here are some timely reminders and practical tips to help keep your workforce safe and productive through the warmer months.
🌡️ Heat Stress Is a Real Risk
Even in Britain, when temperatures rise suddenly, our bodies—and working practices—need time to adjust.
Watch out for signs of heat stress:
What can employers do?
👷 PPE in the Heat
Workers still need PPE—no matter the weather—but some kit can make hot conditions worse.
Tips:
🧴 Sun Protection
Sunburn isn’t just uncomfortable—it increases long-term skin cancer risk.
Encourage outdoor staff to:
Remember: UV exposure can still be high on cloudy days.
🚜 Vehicle & Machinery Checks
Warm weather can increase strain on vehicles, especially those used in waste, construction, and logistics. Watch for:
Top tip: Remind operators to do visual and hands-on checks at the start of each shift.
🧠 Stay Mentally Sharp
Heat can impact concentration. That increases the risk of mistakes, near misses, or accidents—especially in safety-critical roles.
What helps:
In Summary
Summer brings its own safety risks—but they’re all manageable with forward planning, open communication, and proactive support.
Review your risk assessments, update your toolbox talks, and check that your team knows how to spot early signs of heat-related illness. Most importantly, remind them that their health comes first—no task is worth risking long-term harm.
Stay safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy the sunshine (responsibly)!
Here is a toolbox talk to provide to staff. Click Toolbox_Talk_Summer_Safety
Contact us for further information.
As workloads shift with the seasons, so do the risks we face. Now is a perfect time to reinforce safe manual handling practices and prevent musculoskeletal injuries across your team.
Whether you’re lifting, shifting, pushing, pulling, or simply standing for long hours—strains and sprains are the most common workplace injury in the UK. The good news? They’re also among the most preventable.
🤕 The Cost of “Just a Twinge”
We’ve all heard it: “It’s just a sore back—I’ll shake it off.” But injuries like:
Many of these injuries result from poor lifting techniques, rushing tasks, or using the wrong equipment.
🛠️ 5 Manual Handling Tips to Share with Your Team
📋 Don’t Forget: Employer & Employee Responsibilities
Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, employers must:
Employees must:
✅ What Can You Do This Week?
👀 Remember: Good habits save backs, joints and time.
Small changes in how we lift, carry, and move can make a huge difference in injury prevention. Let’s keep sprains and strains off the sick list this summer.
Here is a toolbox talk to provide to staff – Click here Toolbox_Talk_Manual_Handling.
Contact us for further information.
Contact us if you wish to discuss your health and safety requirements 🙂
Health and Safety Consultants | Telford, Shropshire, West Midlands
Next week (9–15 June) is Men’s Health Week, and it’s a great opportunity for us to take a moment to reflect on how we look after ourselves and each other—physically and mentally.
Men’s health is often overlooked or quietly pushed aside, but it’s something we all need to take seriously. This year’s theme encourages small steps toward better health—whether that’s getting more active, checking in on stress, or just having open conversations.
Companies should consider sharing a few useful tips and resources around their departments:
It’s not about big changes—just small actions that make a real difference.
Let’s keep the conversation going. If anyone has ideas or wants to share resources or activities during the week, feel free to get involved!
Contact us for further information.
As we move into summer, June brings rising temperatures and increased outdoor activity, especially in industries such as construction, agriculture, logistics, and grounds maintenance. While the sun may boost morale, it also presents serious health and safety risks. Heat stress, dehydration, and UV exposure can all affect employee health and performance—and if not managed properly, can lead to serious incidents.
This month, we explore how employers can effectively manage hot weather risks to keep staff safe, comfortable, and productive.
Key Risks of Working in Hot Weather
Employer Responsibilities
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers must provide a working environment that is safe and without risk to health—including managing environmental risks like heat.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also require employers to assess risks (such as heat stress) and take appropriate control measures.
Practical Tips for Employers
Industry Example – Telford-Based Outdoor Workforces
Local Telford businesses—such as those in grounds keeping, road works, and warehousing with outdoor exposure—can benefit from proactive planning. Companies are well-placed to lead by example, demonstrating how to integrate weather-related risk assessments into daily briefings and RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statements).
Conclusion
Heat is more than just a comfort issue—it’s a serious safety concern. By planning ahead, engaging staff, and adapting working practices, employers can meet legal obligations and protect their teams from the risks of summer work.
June is the perfect time to review your heat management plans and ensure everyone stays safe under the sun.
If you would like further information, please contact us.