Summer is one of the busiest—and most rewarding—times of the year for hotels, restaurants, country clubs, breweries, and other hospitality businesses. More guests, fuller schedules, and longer days create exciting opportunities, but they also bring unique challenges for your team.
From hot kitchens and outdoor patios to busy parking lots and seasonal employees, the pace of summer can increase the risk of accidents if safety isn’t top of mind.
At Deeley Insurance Group, we believe that protecting your business starts with protecting the people who make it successful. Here are seven simple ways to help keep your employees safe throughout the busy summer season.
1. Make Hydration Easy
Hospitality employees are constantly on the move. Servers walk miles during a shift. Kitchen staff work near hot ovens and grills. Housekeeping teams clean multiple rooms each day, often in warm conditions.
Encourage employees to drink water throughout their shift—not just during breaks. Keeping cold water readily available in kitchens, break rooms, and outdoor work areas makes staying hydrated much easier.
A well-hydrated employee is more alert, more productive, and less likely to experience heat-related illness.
2. Pay Extra Attention to Hot Work Areas
Not every hot day happens outside.
Commercial kitchens, laundry facilities, dishwashing stations, and mechanical rooms can become extremely warm, even when the weather is only moderately hot.
Consider adding fans where appropriate, improving ventilation, rotating employees between cooler and warmer work areas, and scheduling especially demanding tasks during cooler parts of the day whenever possible.
Small adjustments can make a big difference during long summer shifts.
3. Teach Employees to Recognize Heat Illness
Heat exhaustion can develop gradually and may be mistaken for simple fatigue.
Train supervisors and employees to recognize warning signs such as:
- Heavy sweating
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Confusion
If someone begins showing signs of heat illness, move them to a cooler area, provide water if appropriate, and seek medical attention if symptoms become severe. Acting quickly can prevent a medical emergency.
4. Adjust Schedules When Temperatures Climb
Summer doesn’t always follow the calendar. Some days are simply hotter than others.
When temperatures soar, consider making temporary adjustments such as:
- Scheduling outdoor work earlier in the day
- Rotating employees who work outside
- Adding short cooling breaks
- Allowing new employees time to gradually adjust to working in the heat
These small changes help employees stay safer while maintaining productivity during your busiest season.
5. Don’t Let Summer Slip-and-Fall Hazards Sneak Up on You
Winter isn’t the only season for slip-and-fall accidents.
Summer brings its own hazards, including:
- Wet pool decks
- Rain-soaked entryways
- Condensation around coolers and ice machines
- Spilled drinks on patios
- Uneven sidewalks and outdoor dining areas
A quick walk-through before each shift can identify hazards before they become injuries—for employees or guests.
6. Give Seasonal Employees a Great Start
Many hospitality businesses welcome additional staff during the summer rush. While seasonal employees bring valuable help, they’re often unfamiliar with your facility, equipment, and safety procedures.
Before their first shift, make sure new team members understand:
- Emergency procedures
- Safe lifting techniques
- Proper footwear expectations
- Slip-and-fall prevention
- Heat safety
- Reporting injuries or unsafe conditions
A thorough orientation not only reduces injuries but also helps new employees feel confident and prepared from day one.
7. Take a Mid-Season Look at Your Insurance Coverage
Summer is also a great time to review your insurance program.
As your business grows or changes, your coverage should keep pace. Whether you’ve expanded outdoor seating, hired seasonal employees, added alcohol service, or increased special events, it’s worth making sure your insurance reflects your current operations.
Depending on your business, this may include reviewing:
- Workers’ Compensation
- General Liability
- Liquor Liability
- Commercial Property
- Commercial Umbrella
- Business Income coverage
An annual review often uncovers opportunities to update your protection before a claim occurs.
A Safe Summer Starts with Your Team
Great hospitality is built around people. When employees feel safe, supported, and prepared, they’re able to provide the exceptional service your guests remember.
Taking a few proactive steps today can help reduce injuries, minimize disruptions, and create a safer workplace all season long.
If your business has changed since your last insurance review—or you’d simply like a second opinion—our team at Deeley Insurance Group is always happy to help. We’re here to answer questions, review your coverage, and make sure your protection keeps pace with your business, so you can focus on delivering a great experience for every guest who walks through your doors.
Call or text us today at 410-213-5600.
