When we arrive at the jobsite to start work for the day, crew members collaborate on several topics including scope of work, methods and procedures, and safe work practices during the tailgate meeting. Technicians split up, organize their work areas, prep any items for the tower top and put in a safe workday. When the day Is done, crews pack up, secure the jobsite, and travel home. Safety is a core value of Ontivity on the job site. However, with Independence Day on the horizon, we want to ensure that our daily efforts for safety also travel home with us to our families.

Here are three key reminders to remember this Fourth of July weekend …

Key Point #1 – Travel safely

Key Point #2 – Be smart with fireworks

Key Point #3 – Stay hydrated

TRAVEL SAFELY

AAA projects over 50 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Independence Day. Due to this record number, statistics show it is one of the deadliest weekends for travel. Unfortunately, Independence Day has 19% more traffic fatalities than the average holiday — due, again, to drunk driving and increased traffic. Before you travel this weekend, you might want to add a few safety items to your vehicle and put down the phone. Depart early for any intended destinations and leave road rage at home. If you are planning on drinking, don’t overindulge. Monitor your alcohol intake and make arrangements for a safe ride home by using Uber, Lyft, taxi, or a designated driver. Do not let your friends and family drink and drive. Be the voice of reason and do not give up on your friends and family. They will thank you the next day.

BE SMART WITH FIREWORKS

On average, 230 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks related injuries around the holiday month. We all love fireworks and what they represent for our country, but it is always a good idea to leave it to the professionals. If you decide you must use fireworks at home, do your due diligence and make sure there are no bans in your local area or laws against the use of fireworks, and only use the fireworks as directed. Remember, never allow young children to play with fireworks and never try to re-light or pick up malfunctioning pieces. Keep a bucket of water or hose on standby. Proper planning will ensure you return to work with both eyes and 10 finders.

STAY HYDRATED

July is one of the hottest months of the year. Currently, we are experiencing a record heatwave in our southern states. The weather service is saying this heat wave may be even more dangerous than usual moving forward because it won’t get much cooler overnight, during the coolest part of the day. Without temperatures cooling off much at night, heat stress continues to build in your body and can increase the risk of heat related illnesses or even death. Just as we follow proper work/rest cycles on the job and hydrate often. Practice those same principles this weekend with your loved ones. You never know, you just might be the best representative for safety this weekend.

If you would like more information on this topic or any other safety-related topic, please reach out to the Ontivity safety team at safety@ontivity.com, and we will get you taken care of.