Summertime is Beat the Heat Time

Last year was the warmest on record since 1850, when the most detailed global record-keeping began. With that milestone in mind and with summer around the corner, Watco safety leaders are launching a Beat the Heat program for 2024.

The program goal is 100 straight injury-free days at all locations. The dates are May 27 to September 2 and encompass what’s known as the “critical days of summer,” when a tendency toward injury increases. “We’re asking every team member at all locations to make a commitment to keep safety top-of-mind in every activity this summer,” said Brad Walker, vice president of safety. “We’ll have a main weekly topic to be covered at all locations, but beyond that, we want individual locations to tailor the briefings related to any specific location-based activities, hazards, or risks.”

To support team member awareness and motivation, the Beat the Heat program promotes weekly and monthly rewards and recognition such as Cool Cash gift cards. In addition, Beat the Heat-themed shirts, hats, and other items will be available at watcogear.com. And Beat the Heat posters can be ordered at www.watcoprint.com

Safety managers will send program details, including a complete program outline, to leaders at Watco locations.

Beat the Heat replaces the familiar Summer Spike, referencing the common spike in the number of injuries occurring during the summer months.

But Walker said the cautions are the same.

“Even though there can be a jump in incidents,” he said, “our vision is for every team member to come through the summer free of accidents and injuries.”