Summer safety
We associate summer with fun, festivities, and freedom. Christmas, New Year, holidays. Time to chill out, relax, take a holiday, and enjoy precious hours with family and friends.
We don’t start the summer thinking about accidents. While they occur all year round, certain risks are heightened during the summer months. More people on the roads, in the water, increased alcohol consumption – these can all lead to injuries and accidents. Often preventable ones.
Summer hazards
Think of burns – from the backyard BBQ to the effects of too much sun. Borrow the Aussies summer mantra of slip, slop, slap to dodge the sunburn. That’s slip on a shirt, slop on the sunscreen, and slap on a hat.
Even wandering around barefoot, or in your jandals, results in more ankle and foot injuries at this time of year. Don’t even think about mowing the lawn in your jandals. Always put safety first. That means fully protecting eyes, legs, hands, and feet regardless the temperature. And never mow under the influence!
Bites and stings are more prevalent in summer. Reactions range from mild irritation to life-threatening. Check out Health Navigator New Zealand for advice on how to recognise, treat, and prevent these nasties.
Outdoor eating is a summer luxury and one we make the most of in New Zealand. But beware, food left out in the sun can quickly go off. Result? Food poisoning.
Even Christmas presents can be hazardous. New fishing rod for Christmas? Watch out for those fish hooks. Reliving your youth by trying out your kids’ new skateboard? It could end in tears.
Fun in the sun
Summer is also when we feel more energetic. Who hasn’t launched into a fitness campaign at the start of a new year? Remember, prevention is better than cure so build up slowly to avoid sporting injuries. And don’t forget to warm up before and cool down after any exercise session.
Heat stress and dehydration is another summertime issue. Especially for children who can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults. Stay out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day. Wear loose clothing. Keep well hydrated with water and drink fluids with electrolytes. Know the warning signs. Leg cramps are one of the first, followed by sweating, light-headedness, and nausea. More serious symptoms include warm and dry skin, confusion, or convulsions.
Swimming, boating, and other water activities are part and parcel of summer. Sadly, they are also a common cause of trips to the emergency room. Diving, ocean rips, unfenced pools – it’s a long list. Understanding the potential risks is the first step in avoiding them. To stay safe around water, we recommend you review the great resources and safety tips at Water Safety New Zealand.
Strange but true
Did you know that an injury sustained during the day heals twice as fast those sustained at night? Recent research shows that injuries sustained at night take twice as long to heal.
Preparation equals prevention
It’s not all doom and gloom. By taking precautions where you can, there’s every chance you’ll enjoy a healthy and safe summer!
Are you covered?
If you’d like to check what your cover would be in the event of an accident get in touch now for a quick insurance review.
You might also like to read these blog posts:
20 Tips for Protecting Your Home
5 Reasons to Take Out Health Insurance