Get your business in great shape for summer with these employee safety tips from Acrisure Risk Resources.
Blog
April 22, 2025
Spring is a great time to think ahead to summer safety and your team. From heat-related and natural disaster risks to hurricane preparedness, we have tips and information to help you get ready.
Help Your Team Keep Safe This Summer – Heat Management Tips for Your Business
Summer is around the corner and with it comes soaring temperatures. With the right preparation, you can help ensure the safety and productivity of your team. Heat-related illnesses are not only a health risk but can also impact your operations. As a business leader, prioritizing workplace safety in the heat demonstrates care for your employees and can build a stronger, more resilient organization.
Here are some helpful team safety tips to beat the heat this season:
- Hydration is Key: Ensure water is readily accessible and encourage your team to drink frequently.
- Dress Smart: Lightweight, breathable clothing can make a big difference.
- Plan Breaks Wisely: Schedule high-effort tasks during cooler parts of the day and provide shaded or air-conditioned break areas. Provide for more frequent breaks in times of extreme heat.
- Sun Safety Matters: Sunscreen, hats, and shaded spaces are a must for outdoor workers.
- Cooling Solutions: Consider portable fans or misting systems to keep the environment comfortable.
- Stay Weather-Aware: Monitor heat advisories and adjust schedules accordingly.
- Foster a Safety Culture: Empower employees to voice concerns and provide ongoing training.
Knowing the signs of heat-related illnesses is equally crucial. Conditions like heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke can escalate quickly. Make sure your team recognizes the symptoms and knows how to respond.
Don’t let the summer heat catch your business off guard. Taking proactive measures today can save lives and maintain the productivity of your team.
From Crisis to Control: Leveraging Insurance to Help Mitigate Natural Disaster Risks
With the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, businesses must be proactive in safeguarding their operations and assets. Here’s a look at some of insurance types businesses should consider to help mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters like floods, fires, extreme heat, hurricanes, and more. While the terms and conditions of each particular policy may vary, the following overview may be helpful for a general understanding of each policy type.
1. Property Insurance
Commercial property insurance is fundamental for helping to protect physical assets, including buildings, equipment, and inventory. This type of policy typically covers damages caused by events such as fire, windstorms, and hail. However, it's crucial to review the policy details as standard property insurance might exclude certain natural disasters like floods and earthquakes.
2. Flood Insurance
Floods can cause extensive damage, and standard commercial property insurance policies generally do not cover all types of flood damage. Businesses located in flood-prone areas should consider investing in a separate flood insurance policy, which can be obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers.
3. Earthquake Insurance
Similarly, damages caused by earthquakes are generally not covered under standard property insurance policies. Businesses in seismically active regions should consider purchasing earthquake insurance to help protect against potential losses from ground shaking, landslides, and soil liquefaction.
4. Business Interruption Insurance
Natural disasters can disrupt business operations, leading to significant financial losses. Business interruption insurance helps cover lost income and operating expenses while the business is temporarily closed for repairs. This coverage is essential for maintaining financial stability during recovery periods.
5. Commercial Auto Insurance
For businesses that use vehicles, commercial auto insurance is vital. This policy typically covers damages to company vehicles caused by natural disasters, helping to ensure that business operations can continue with minimal disruption.
6. Equipment Breakdown Insurance
Natural disasters can cause power surges, mechanical breakdowns, and other issues that damage essential equipment. Equipment breakdown insurance covers the repair or replacement of critical machinery, helping businesses avoid costly downtime.
7. Inland Marine Insurance
This type of insurance is designed to cover goods in transit and other movable property. For businesses that transport goods, inland marine insurance helps protect against losses due to natural disasters during transportation.
8. Builders Risk Insurance
Businesses undergoing construction or renovation projects should consider builders risk insurance. This policy covers buildings under construction against various losses arising from certain natural disasters, helping to ensure that projects are not financially derailed by unforeseen events.
9. Workers' Compensation Insurance
Natural disasters can pose significant risks to employees. Workers' compensation insurance provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job, including injuries sustained during a natural disaster.
10. General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance helps protect businesses against claims related to bodily injury and property damage caused by the business operations. This coverage can be essential if a natural disaster leads to third-party injuries or damages.
Hurricane Preparedness: Steps to Help Protect Your Business
As hurricane season approaches, it's crucial to ensure your business, team members, and operations are well-prepared to minimize risks. Preparation is key to helping reduce potential damage and ensuring a swift recovery.
Hurricane Categories: What Should You Know
Hurricanes are categorized by wind speed according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale and the potential damage they can cause. However, they also bring storm surges, rainfall, and flooding. Here are the five categories:
- Category 1 (74-95 mph winds): Minor damage to buildings and homes.
- Category 2 (96-110 mph winds): Significant damage to roofs and windows.
- Category 3 (111-129 mph winds): Severe damage to buildings; extensive power outages.
- Category 4 (130-156 mph winds): Catastrophic damage; widespread power outages.
- Category 5 (157+ mph winds): Total destruction of many buildings and homes.
Risk Assessment and Preparation
Conducting a thorough risk assessment is essential for identifying vulnerabilities in your facilities, workforce, and supply chain. Here are key steps to take:
- High Winds: Inspect and reinforce structures, secure loose items, and trim trees.
- Flooding: Assess flood risk areas, install flood barriers, and seal openings.
- Operational Continuity: Update emergency plans, backup data, and ensure insurance coverage.
Before the Hurricane
- Review Preparedness Plans: Identify essential personnel and emergency roles.
- Secure Facilities: Reinforce structures and move valuable assets to safe locations.
- Stock Emergency Supplies: First aid kits, flashlights, batteries, drinking water, and non-perishable food.
During the Hurricane
- Prioritize Employee Safety: Follow evacuation orders and maintain regular communication.
- Activate Backup Systems: Ensure critical systems remain operational.
After the Hurricane
- Ensure Safety: Check on employees and address immediate hazards.
- Restore Operations: Restore power, test IT systems, and begin cleanup efforts when safe.
Don’t let the summer heat catch your business off guard.
In Conclusion
Natural disasters and heat risks can be unpredictable, but businesses can take steps to help mitigate their impact through the right types of insurance coverage and team safety. By investing in the appropriate policies, businesses can help protect their assets, ensure continuity of operations, and maintain financial stability in the face of catastrophic events.
Visit the Acrisure Hurricane Resources page if you're in need of hurricane claims information.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today to learn how Acrisure can help your company improve safety or learn more about our business solutions now.
About the Author
Brian Fielkow, Acrisure Risk Resources
Brian Fielkow helps Acrisure clients grow their safety cultures and manage risk with his executive, operational, and safety leadership. Fielkow has published several books and articles, including Leading People Safely: How to Win on the Business Battlefield, co-authored with James T. Schultz.
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