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Well, with this hot weather upon us I thought it would be fitting to run an article on safety in the sun. Now that the children are on school holidays, the weather is good and the days are longer, more and more people are vulnerable to accidents, mostly children. Whilst safety should not ruin your day to day living or your sense of adventure there are things which we can all do to protect ourselves and still enjoy the summer breaks.
Sun Safety
- Keep covered up, yes we have heard this time and time again, but for a good reason. Use sun screen and keep re applying throughout the day (every 2 to 3 hours)
- Drink plenty of water. Heat related illness can be bad news (believe me I know first hand). By re hydrating your self through the day you will find plenty of benefits such as increased concentration, better voice function and quality, better overall well being. Remember your body is 50-60% water, so drinking 6 to 9 glasses a day can help your body to function properly.
- Take regular breaks out of the sun.
Pool Safety
Whether you are swimming in the UK or abroad try to follow these simple steps to safe swimming.
- Supervise your children when they are swimming. Especially when there are no life guards.
- Try not to leave your children unattended (even if there is a life guard).
- Familiarise yourself with the pool and the area, know how to contact the emergency service, where the nearest phone is, how deep the pool is and where the life rings are.
- Adults, do not swim if you have been drinking alcohol.
- Allow at least an hour for food to digest before swimming.
- Shower before going into a pool.
Barbecue Safety
Barbecues (BBQ) can present there own hazards, however following our simple advise can help to minimise these.
- Check your BBQ to ensure that it is in good working order.
- Place the BBQ on a flat surface away from trees, shrubs and sheds.
- If using a gas BBQ ensure that:
- Tap is off before changing cylinder
- Change cylinders outside
- Use in a well ventilated area
- When finished switch off the tap and release any residual gas by turning the control levers on the main BBQ on.
- Keep buckets of water close by in case of an emergency.
I hope that these tips are of use to you all this summer, just remember summer is about enjoying yourselves, however this can be done in a safe way as no one enjoys the waiting at A&E.
"Richard Beale plays the lead role in one of the UK's leading health and safety training and consultancy services working with companies throughout the UK and abroad. His enthusiasm for his subject, along with many years experience in the industry has earned him the right to speak on this important subject. Each month, Richard will be sharing with us principles fundamentals and concepts that can keep us safe at home and in the workplace." |
