Top Hazards Over the Summer

Summer is the season that most people look forward to every year. With hot weather, holidays, Christmas and New Year, it is no surprise! It is often referred to as “silly season” and unfortunately the summer sees an increase of accidents and risks both at home and in the workplace.

Below are the biggest hazards faced over the summer season (as compiled by the Injury Risk Management Research Centre) and things that you can do to protect yourself.

Drowning

Australia is a big country with a huge array of beaches, rivers and lakes for us to enjoy throughout the hot weather. So its no wonder that we see an increase in drownings over the holiday seasons.

Things that you can do to lower your risk of drowning include swimming between the flags, never swimming alone or under the influence of alcohol. Supervision of young swimmers is vital.

Sun Damage

Being out in the sun all day, whether on holidays or at work, can lead to severe sunburn and heat stroke. When outside for work or pleasure, it is important to apply sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from sunburn and the associated increase risk of skin cancer. Australia has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

It is also important to stay hydrated throughout the day and increase your normal water intake.

Vehicle Incidents

Over summer many people will be making long road trips for holidays and to visit family. This leads to some wild and dangerous roads across the country. Unfortunately this results in a spike in injuries and deaths. There is also a notable increase in pedestrian and cyclist injuries.

Besides taking your time, stopping for frequent breaks and remaining vigilant, you should also invest in a vehicle first aid kit. These are vital for both business and personal vehicles to provide emergency first aid in the case of an accident and can be the difference between life and death.

Burns

From small burns from the BBQ to more serious ones from camp fires and explosions – there is an increase in fire and burn injuries over the summer.

Usually common sense is the best solution to avoiding burns – but knowing what to do in the case of a burn is important. It can also be important to have things on hand such as the burn creams contained in our first aid kits for those less serious but painful injuries.

Poisons

Summer increases incidents relating to poisoning – whether from chemicals or bites from snakes and spiders. You should remain vigilant for snakes and spiders when walking through bush land and long grass. It is important that you get help as soon as possible if you believe you or someone else has been poisoned.

In the event of a bite, a compression bandage can be vital to stop the poison spreading. Sanokil has snake bite bandages available that will let you know whether the right amount of compression has been applied.

Sports and Outdoor Activity Injuries

Summer sees an increase in outdoor activities and sports. These can be minimised by protecting yourself with the right gear where possible. For example, when riding a bike – wear your helmet. Again, having a first aid kit near by is vital to provide assistance when these injuries happen.

We also recently discussed how to treat summer sprains and strains related to the increase in sporting accidents. Again, one of the best things you can do to prepare for these injuries is to have a first aid kit on hand.

In the event of sudden cardiac arrest it can be a life saver to have access to a defibrillator that is portable and light weight. They should be located at all sporting clubs and public places.

How Sanokil Can Help

One of the best ways that you can prepare for unexpected medical emergencies this summer is by investing in a first aid kit – or even a defibrillator. It could save someone’s life. Our first aid kits also come with helpful instructions on what to do in the case of common injuries.

Call us on 1800 992 135 or use our contact from for a quote or more information.