We are a nation of optimists, and nothing demonstrates this better than our attitude to the great outdoors. The British summer may be temperamental, but that doesn’t stop us heading outside in our millions at the first sign of sunshine.
Whatever the weather, we’ll give it our best shot at making the UK’s beaches, parks and beer gardens heaving over the coming weeks. Many workplaces will also be marking the start of summer by opening up outdoor areas for their staff.
This is a great way to raise morale, but it’s important to keep safety in mind. From removing tripping hazards to preventing sunburn, here’s how you can keep your outdoor areas safe and enjoyable this summer.
What does the law say about outdoor safety?
When it comes to health and safety, the law doesn’t distinguish between outdoor and indoor spaces. Your duties extend to your entire premises, including any outdoor areas that can be accessed by staff or customers. This means that you are expected to reduce outdoor risks “as far as reasonably practicable”, just as you would inside the workplace.
The requirement to carry out a risk assessment also extends to outdoor areas. This can be incorporated into your existing risk assessment, but it may be easier to create a separate one. If your work involves customers or the general public, their safety must also be taken into account.
What are the main risks?
The first step is to identify the main risks in your outdoor areas which a health and safety specialist should do. It could be you or a member of your team if you have the necessary competency, or you can outsource it cost-effectively to a specialist service like The Health & Safety Dept.
The applicable risks will vary greatly depending on the nature of your business, but common things to look out for include:
- Tripping hazards e.g. tree roots and wires from outdoor electrical equipment
- Uncovered electrical sockets
- Grass or pathways that could become slippery when wet
- Wasps nests that could be disturbed by employees or the public
- Animal droppings on surfaces, especially in areas where food is consumed
- Damaged outdoor furniture that could break when used or cause cuts and splinters
How can I manage these risks?
Your risk assessment should acknowledge any risks you identify individually before describing the actions you will take to mitigate them.
This will of course depend on the risks you mark out. Your designated health and safety specialist will advise on the appropriate measures, which could be as simple as moving trailing cables or replacing old degrading furniture; or requiring more knowledge like designing a safe system of work.
What about employees who work outdoors?
Most outdoor areas are for rest and relaxation, but many jobs take place outdoors. If you work in construction, leisure or any other industry where employees are outdoors for long periods of time, you need to take extra steps to ensure their safety. This is especially true during the summer when warmer weather can increase the risk of illness or injury.
The most common risk is probably sunburn. This is often seen as a minor danger, but repeated exposure to UV rays can lead to melanoma – a condition that kills around 2,300 people a year. Remind employees to wear suncream, hats and long-sleeved shirts. If possible, reschedule tasks to avoid the times of day when the sun is at its strongest.
Heat exhaustion is also a danger, especially for those performing strenuous physical activities. Make sure that employees drink plenty of water, providing it yourself if necessary. You should also insist that workers take regular breaks in a shaded area.
Talk to us
With a bit of forward planning, summer can be the highlight of the working year. If you have any questions about risk assessments, electrical appliance testing or any other aspect of outdoor health and safety, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
