Summer is a time for backyard barbecues, beach days, vacations, and getting outdoors for fun activities like swimming, biking, and hiking. While it’s generally a time to relax and slow down, it’s important to remind employees to be safe and stay healthy while enjoying summer pastimes. 

Helping your employees keep these practical tips top of mind will not only keep them safer and healthier throughout the summer months, it’ll also reduce absences, improve overall productivity, and lower your company’s healthcare expenses by limiting emergency room and other costly medical claims.

Tip #1: Continue to be cautious about Covid-19.

Covid-19 is still very much with us. As of July 1, 2022, the average number of new cases per day was still around 109,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Remind your employees to continue to take precautions to avoid infection this summer, such as:

• Frequent hand washing
• Cleaning and sanitizing surfaces
• Staying home and isolating when feeling ill
• Wearing masks in public places
• Staying up to date on vaccines and boosters for themselves and their children
• Maintaining social distance indoors

Tip #2: Stay vigilant while traveling.

The summer travel season promises to be a busy one this year as more people begin to feel comfortable leaving home and interacting in person. According to travel solutions provider Travelport, the majority of U.S. flight bookings this summer are families (36.4%), followed by couples (24.3%), and solo travelers (12.3%). 

That’s good news, but again, with Covid still lurking, it’s important that your employees and their families remember to take the precautions listed above to stay healthy, no matter where they’re traveling this summer. Especially in airports and on airplanes, they should be sure to wash their hands and/or use hand sanitizer often, and clean and disinfect their seat and immediate area before settling in. 

Tip #3: Avoid getting burned.

From barbecues to sun exposure to fireworks, burns tend to be more common in the summer months. In fact, July 4th is one of the most dangerous days of the year, with nearly 45,000 people visiting the emergency room for treatment of injuries on that day alone. Injuries related to fireworks are the biggest reason for the spike in ER visits.

Beyond avoiding setting off their own fireworks displays, employees can stay safe and steer clear of burns and other injuries and accidents by operating barbecues with an abundance of care and caution. Some grill safety tips include:

• Staying a safe distance away from open flames and using proper tools while cooking
• Keeping a fire extinguisher nearby
• Never grilling indoors or in confined spaces
• Never leaving a grill unattended
• Keeping the grill at least 10 feet away from decks, railings, decorations, and other combustible materials

And if they’re headed out for some fun in the sun, remind them to wear sunscreen, hats and UV-protective clothing, seek shade or stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day to avoid direct sun exposure and severe sunburn, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 

Tip #4: Stay hydrated and healthy. 

Employees should also look out for their children and furry friends this summer, making sure to bring extra water to the park, beach, and other fun outdoor activities, and that everyone gets enough to drink. And don’t forget about the bug spray to repel mosquitoes and other unwelcome pests!

If someone does happen to get sick or injured, Premera Blue Cross plans with WTIA offer all employees, domestic partners, and qualified dependents access to a 24-hour nurse line. When employees have a quick question about a health issue, are looking for health information, or need to know where to get immediate care, a nurse is just a phone call away 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to answer their health questions and concerns. These calls are free and confidential.

Telehealth services are also available for Premera members and their dependents. This allows your employees to see a doctor from the comfort of their own home or during a break at work for health concerns such as a cold or flu symptoms, allergies, ear infection, a rash, or other skin issues. Telehealth is a covered benefit for Premera members, and offers communication by email, telephone, or video.

For more information about how you and your employees can stay safe and healthy this summer and make the most of your benefits available through Premera health plans with WTIA, contact your broker, or Raven Mencias at rmencias@washingtontechnology.org.