Preparing for Peak Season: Where Risk Increases as Activity Ramps Up
By Leah Murphy
As we move into late Q2 and early Q3, activity doesn’t just increase.
It accelerates.
Projects move faster.
Teams grow.
Deadlines tighten.
And with that, the way work is carried out begins to shift.
HSA guidance regularly highlights how changing work conditions, including increased workload and time pressure, can influence risk if not properly managed.
Where the Pressure Shows Up
As pace increases:
Shortcuts become more likely.
Communication tightens.
Small deviations start to build.
The risk isn’t new.
It’s the same work, done under more pressure.
Roles Most Affected
Construction & Infrastructure General operatives, scaffolders, plant operators
Utilities & Field Teams Electrical and telecoms crews
Logistics & Warehousing Drivers, forklift operators
Facilities & Maintenance Teams working in live environments
Seasonal & New Workers Often the highest risk due to unfamiliarity
Where Organisations Get Caught Out
- Training completed earlier in the year but not reinforced
- New starters not fully embedded
- Supervisors stretched across competing priorities
- Toolbox talks becoming routine rather than relevant
This is often where otherwise strong systems begin to drift from what guidance expects in practice.
What Good Looks Like
- Targeted refresher training aligned to current activity
- Structured onboarding for all new workers
- Increased supervisor presence
- Practical briefings linked to the work happening now
- Risk assessments that reflect real workload
Peak season doesn’t introduce new risks.
It exposes where systems aren’t strong enough to absorb pressure.
And how organisations respond to that shift often determines how safely the rest of the year runs.
In many cases, a small reset in how training and supervision are approached at this point makes a significant difference.
For guidance on prioritising safety, contact EHS International today, I would be very happy to discuss how our service model could support your business.
Contact me at:
+353 (0)21 206 6006
[email protected]
