July Safety Update: Staying Smart in the Summer Heat

Partners Helping Partners

As summer ramps up, so do the risks associated with heat—whether you’re storing chemicals, driving on hot roads, or hiring seasonal help. This month, we’re highlighting key safety tips and legal reminders to help you and your team stay compliant and protected.

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🔥 Chemical Storage in the Summer Heat

High temperatures can cause serious hazards when it comes to chemical storage. Heat exposure can degrade compounds, release toxic fumes, cause environmental contamination, and even lead to fires or explosions. Here’s how to stay safe:

Essential Storage Tips:

• Refer to SDS Sheets: Always check the Safety Data Sheet for each chemical.

• Stay Below Thresholds: Store solids below their sublimation point and liquids below their boiling point.

• Ventilation is Key: Use airflow systems to maintain low moisture and temperature.

• Avoid Sunlight: Store chemicals in dark, cool places to prevent reactions.

• Use Insulated Storage: Cabinets, fridges, and temperature-controlled rooms can help maintain chemical stability.

• Handle Waste Wisely: Waste containers should allow for thermal expansion and be kept sealed and isolated from reactive materials.

Outdoor Chemical Storage Rules:

• No flammable liquids.

• No airtight containers.

• Keep away from ignition sources—including prolonged sun exposure.

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🚗 Tire Blowout Prevention

Summer heat can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s tires. As temperatures rise, so does internal air pressure—leading to wear, blowouts, and increased accident risk.

What to Watch For:

• Uneven tread

• Cracked sidewalls or dry rot

• Bulges, bubbles, or unexplained pressure loss

• Vibrations at highway speeds

Summer Driving Safety Tips:

• Maintain at least 2/32” tread depth

• Don’t exceed your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

• Evenly distribute your cargo to maintain balance

• Avoid speeding—high friction increases blowout risk

• Stick to a 4-second following distance

• Drive during cooler parts of the day

• Regularly check tire pressure during DVIRs

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👷‍♂️ Hiring Minors: What You Need to Know

Planning to bring on teen workers this summer? Federal and state child labor laws set strict guidelines. Missteps can result in hefty penalties.

Why It Matters:

In the past year alone:

• A Tennessee company paid $290,000 in penalties and set aside $1.5 million for affected minors.

• A Burger King franchisee in Massachusetts was fined $2 million.

• Purdue Farms and Smithfield Foods both reached multi-million-dollar settlements.

Federal Law Basics (FLSA):

• Minimum Age: 14 for non-agricultural work

• 14–15-Year-Olds:

  • Max 3 hours/day on school days (18/week during school)

  • Max 8 hours/day on non-school days (40/week when school’s out)

• 16+ years: No federal hour limits

⚠️ State laws may impose stricter rules—such as mandatory rest breaks and curfews.

What Jobs Are Off-Limits?

Minors under 18 cannot:

• Work with explosives

• Roof or operate forklifts

• Use heavy power tools or meat-processing equipment

• Drive for work unless they’re 17, licensed, and have no moving violations

Work Permits:

• Federal law doesn’t require them—but most states do

• Be sure to post your state’s child labor law poster if you employ minors

More info:
Visit the U.S. Department of Labor Child Labor Site for detailed state-specific requirements.

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Stay safe, stay informed, and continue partnering together to create a safer workplace this summer.

– Risk Advisor Konnect, July 2025

 

All Lester Insurance Commercial Customers have access to Risk Advisor Konnect

Call 888.976.7565 or email myriskadvisor@keystoneinsgrp.com