Summer Safety: How to Reduce Workers’ Comp Claims
Summer in Florida and Virginia isn’t just about sun, sandals, and vacation schedules. For businesses, it’s also a time when workplace injuries often spike - especially in industries where people work outdoors, operate equipment, or move materials. As temperatures climb, so does the risk for heat-related illness, accidents due to fatigue, and other injuries that can trigger costly workers' comp claims.
At Pelican Shield Insurance Group , we help businesses across Florida and Virginia not only manage their commercial insurance but also spot the hidden risks that lead to claims in the first place. We’re not just buttoned-up policy pushers - we’re the calm voice on the line when things get hot (literally).
Want to know more about who we are? Here’s a good place to start. Looking for business insurance solutions? You’ll find that here.
Let’s break down how your business can stay safe, productive, and claim-free this summer.
Why Summer Brings a Higher Risk of Workers’ Comp Claims
The data backs it up - summer is high season for workplace injuries. Why?
- Heat stress and dehydration wear workers down faster
- Longer daylight hours can mean longer shifts
- Fatigue sets in quicker, especially outdoors
- Increased seasonal hiring means more new, less-trained workers
- More physical jobs are being done in construction, landscaping, hospitality, and logistics
If you operate in Florida or Virginia, you know how brutal the summer heat can be. And even desk jobs aren’t immune - think slippery floors from wet shoes or AC outages causing indoor heat spikes. The good news is, most of these risks can be managed before they become claims.
Tip #1: Train for the Season
Training shouldn't be one-size-fits-all - and summer creates unique hazards. Make sure your team understands:
- How to recognize signs of heat illness(dizziness, nausea, confusion)
- When to take breaks and how often
- How to report symptoms early, not when it’s too late
Include training for supervisors too - especially those managing younger or seasonal workers who might not speak up when they're struggling.
A good insurance agency, like Pelican Shield, can help guide you on what training topics and safety practices matter most for your industry and climate.
Tip #2: Provide Plenty of Water, Shade, and Rest Breaks
This isn’t just a “nice to have” - it’s a simple and proven way to reduce injuries. Set up water stations in high-traffic work areas and encourage (don’t just allow) workers to rest in shaded or air-conditioned spaces throughout the day.
Quick checklist:
- Water jugs or coolers in multiple locations
- Canopy or tent setups on outdoor sites
- Scheduled rest breaks built into shift plans
If employees know the company supports their safety, they’re more likely to follow through with safe practices.
Tip #3: Inspect Equipment and Surfaces Frequently
Summer heat can cause more than just sunburns. Machinery can overheat, tires can blow, and tools can fail when exposed to direct sun or high temps.
Things to check regularly:
- Outdoor power tools and extension cords
- Construction or delivery vehicles
- Metal handrails, ladders, and surfaces that may cause burns
Even something as small as a hot steering wheel in a delivery van can become a hazard. Build inspection protocols into daily routines so you’re not relying on luck.
Tip #4: Watch for Slip Hazards
Florida summers are humid, and summer storms are fast and fierce. Wet entryways, loading docks, and break rooms become quick traps for slips and falls.
Preventive steps:
- Install non-slip mats at entrances
- Place signage in high-risk areas
- Assign daily floor checks during stormy weather
It may seem like a small detail, but slip-and-fall claims are among the most common (and costly) workers’ comp cases out there.
Tip #5: Manage Scheduling to Prevent Fatigue
Everyone wants to get work done while the sun’s out, but long shifts in the heat increase the chance of mistakes, misjudgment, and injury.
What you can do:
- Rotate workers to lighter tasks midday
- Start earlier to avoid peak heat hours
- Add a buffer between shifts to allow full recovery
Fatigue is a quiet threat, but it leads to loud consequences. A small adjustment to scheduling now can prevent a costly claim later.
Tip #6: Monitor Seasonal and New Workers Closely
Summer often means more turnover and more short-term hires. While they may be eager and ready to work, they’re statistically more likely to get hurt in their first 30 days.
Give extra attention to:
- Proper onboarding and safety walkthroughs
- Clear explanation of reporting protocols
- Pairing with experienced staff, even temporarily
And make it clear: if something feels unsafe, they should speak up without hesitation.
Reduce Claims Now, Lower Premiums Later
Here’s the thing most businesses don’t think about: every claim you prevent now helps control your workers' comp costs long-term. Fewer claims = better experience mod = lower premiums.
When Pelican Shield clients call us with a claim - or better yet, a near miss - we’re already thinking about how to protect their budget down the line. That’s the kind of forward-thinking coverage you want behind you.
Make Summer Safety a Business Priority
You don’t need a huge safety department or a corporate-sized checklist to keep your team safe in summer. You just need to be consistent, proactive, and pay attention to the risks that come with the season.
And if you're not sure where your current coverage stands - or what happens if a claim does occur - that’s exactly the kind of thing we help with every day.
Have questions about your workers’ comp policy? Want a second opinion on your current policy? That’s what we’re here for.
Check us out at Pelican Shield Insurance Group , read more on the Pelican Shield Blog , or contact us directly to get started. You can also give us a call at 727-369-9077.
We’re ready when you are.
DATE
Jun 25 2025 12:34
AUTHOR
David Jenkins
