It’s warm out, the sun is shining and business is picking up. It’s summer, a time for enjoying outdoor spaces and creating the perfect outdoor space for your clients.

But summer also brings a new wave of safety concerns, especially for people who spend much of their time outside. If not addressed, heat-related illnesses can become heat stroke. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 436 people who worked outdoors lost their lives to environmental heat exposure between 2011 and 2021. See the data here.

Of course, you know to wear closed-toe shoes and eye protection to prevent injury. But in the summer sun, there are other considerations you should make to ensure your safety while working.

Slather on some sunscreen. It won’t help you beat the heat, but it will protect you from the sun. During the summer, many stores have sunscreen on display right by the register – add a bottle to your next purchase! Make sure to grab a bottle labeled SPF 30 or higher and broad-spectrum, which will cover you from both UVA and UVB rays. Both UVA and UVB rays cause skin cancer, but UVA rays age your skin and UVB rays cause sunburns. And reapply; no matter the sun protection factor (SPF), sunscreen typically doesn’t last for longer than two hours.

Wear a long-sleeved shirt. A long-sleeved shirt can protect you from sunburns and exposure to direct sunlight. Ewing customers are able to purchase long-sleeved shirts each year during Ewing's annual custom apparel program, which runs from June through October.

Don a hat. In addition to sunscreen, a hat can protect your face and neck from the sun’s damaging rays. “Hats are a must because heads and necks will lose heat and create overheating faster than any other body part,” said Charley Miller, branch manager of Ewing’s North Las Vegas location.

Grab some shades. A pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from the bright sun while you work, and can take some of the glare off.

Drink water. You’ve heard it before: eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. While the exact amount may vary, this is an important part of staying hydrated in the summer heat while working outside. Grab a big bottle of water in the morning and keep drinking and refilling it throughout the day.

Know the warning signs. Thousands of workers suffer heat-related illnesses across the country each summer. These illnesses range from heat rash – a skin irritation from sweating – to heat exhaustion – rapid breathing and a fast, weak pulse. The most severe illness is heatstroke, with warning signs ranging from body temperature above 106 degrees, dry skin and a rapid pulse to dizziness and confusion. More than 20 percent of heatstroke cases end in death. If you notice any of these signs, get to a shady area and sip water slowly. If symptoms are severe or you think it may be heatstroke, seek emergency medical attention.

If you don’t protect yourself and your crew against the sun and make sure everyone stays hydrated, you can be exposed to serious risks. Stay hydrated, cool and safe in the sun this summer!