The warm and sunny summertime is a cherished time of year all throughout Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey and the greater Fraser Valley. However, while it’s a spot on the calendar that is synonymous with relaxing and vacationing, most business professionals continue to work long hours. In many cases, this means facing a combination of fatigue and extreme weather conditions.
These pressures can lead to more than just job stress. They can create real safety risks, especially when it’s time to get home. Believe it or not, during the summer, driving home after work can be dangerous.
What are the risks of working long hours?
Topping the list is sleep deprivation. A lack of sleep is actually one of the most overlooked workplace hazards. As Sleep Therapeutics affirms, “a lack of quality sleep undermines focus, decision-making, and creativity. Employees who aren’t well-rested are more likely to miss deadlines, produce lower-quality work (and) experience burnout…Sleep-deprived employees are often working at a reduced capacity, making it difficult to achieve long-term business goals.”
Fatigue doesn’t just have a significant impact on workplace productivity and safety. As SafeCare BC informs us, “workers who do not get enough sleep can experience a range of adverse effects on their mental health, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, sleep significantly reduces stress and improves overall well-being in the workplace.”
Professionals who work extended shifts or double up on hours to meet tight deadlines often find themselves too tired to drive safely. This is a common occurrence in such industries as construction, healthcare and emergency services, where long shifts are common. Sadly, fatigue-related incidents are all too frequent. Even white-collar workers aren’t immune. A mentally draining day behind a screen can leave drivers equally distracted or drowsy behind the wheel.
What are the hidden dangers of heat?
As you may have guessed, summer brings another serious risk: heat-related illness. Outdoor workers and those working in high-temperature environments are particularly vulnerable to heat stroke. This condition can cause confusion, loss of consciousness and even seizures if not treated promptly.
“Whether work is done indoors in a hot smelting plant or outdoors in the summer months, heat exposure can be dangerous,” says the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), “Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at increased risk of heat stress.”
When your body overheats, it becomes harder to make sound decisions. Of course, that includes deciding whether or not you’re fit to drive. After a long day under the sun, even if you’re properly hydrated and have taken breaks, the effects of heat stress can linger into your commute. That’s when the risk of an accident skyrockets.
After work, put your safety first!
No job is worth risking your life, or someone else’s, on the drive home. If you’re feeling the effects of a long workday or struggling to recover from heat exposure, it’s okay to ask for help. That’s what MyDDride is here for! Your safety is our top priority. Please don’t hesitate to call or text us at 604-283-8532 or visit our Contact page to schedule your designated driver today!