By Chad Engle, Loss Prevention and Safety Manager
Summer in Nebraska is synonymous with sunshine, outdoor adventures, and well-deserved vacations. From fishing and camping to backyard barbecues and road trips, it’s a season of exciting memories waiting to be made. However, amidst all the excitement, it’s easy to overlook potential hazards that can quickly turn a joyous occasion into a painful setback.
At NIRMA, risk management and loss prevention are our top priority. Please remember to keep risk management and your own safety at the top of the list when taking part in summer activities. We want to empower our member counties and agencies to enjoy all the best parts of summer without the unfortunate interruption of preventable accidents and injuries. A moment of inattention or a lapse in safety precautions can lead to consequences ranging from minor injuries to serious, life-altering incidents.
Think about it: A trip to the emergency room for a heat-related illness, a fall during a recreational activity, or a preventable vehicle accident can not only ruin your summer plans but also seriously impact your life.
This summer let’s commit to a proactive approach to safety. By taking a few simple precautions and encouraging awareness, we can collectively reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and healthy season.
Here are some key areas to focus on for a safer summer:
- Sun and Heat Safety:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty, especially when working or playing outdoors.
- Seek Shade: Limit direct sun exposure during peak hours (10 AM – 4 PM).
- Protect Your Skin: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply frequently. Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
- Dress Appropriately: Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Recognize Heat Illness: Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke (dizziness, nausea, headache, heavy sweating, confusion) and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear.
- Water Safety:
- Supervise Children: Never leave children unattended near water, even for a moment.
- Swim Safely: Only swim in designated areas and obey all posted signs and lifeguard instructions.
- Boating Safety: Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets while on boats, and avoid alcohol consumption while operating a vessel.
- Learn to Swim: Encourage swimming lessons for all ages.
- Outdoor Activity Safety:
- Footwear: Wear appropriate footwear for the activity to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
- Insect Protection: Use insect repellent to guard against bites from mosquitoes and ticks. Check for ticks after spending time outdoors.
- Tool and Equipment Use: Use tools and equipment safely and only for their intended purpose. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Hiking/Biking: Stay on marked trails, be aware of your surroundings, and carry water.
- Road and Travel Safety:
- Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is in good working order before long trips (tires, fluids, brakes).
- Driver Awareness: Avoid distracted driving, obey speed limits, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Share the Road: Be mindful of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles.
- Plan Your Route: Know your destination and plan for rest stops to avoid driver fatigue.
Let’s work together to make this summer a season of joy, relaxation, and lasting positive memories. By prioritizing safety, we can ensure that fun remains the focus, and accidents don’t get in the way of a well-deserved summer experience.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
