Whether you work in construction, electrical, emergency services, plumbing, or HVAC, you need to be prepared with guidelines for working in the rain safety. Your workplace is already filled with potential hazards, if you’re not careful. When Mother Nature adds rain to the equation, you and your coworkers must be vigilant of new hazards that can make a workplace even more dangerous.

If proper precautions are not taken, serious injuries can occur. These incidents are often completely avoidable, so long as those working in the elements are careful and prepared. Read this Working in the Rain Safety Guide to learn how to handle these often tricky conditions.

Working in the Rain Safety Guide: Top Tips to Know

Working in the rain can be cold and uncomfortable, and it can make it hard to see your surroundings. Wet conditions can make an otherwise easy task incredibly difficult and dangerous, which is why it is so important to work smart and adhere to your company’s safety protocols. Our Working in the Rain Safety Guide has some tips for overall workplace safety when the skies open up.

Take Your Time

Working in the rain may make you want to work quickly to get out of the inclement weather faster. However, the smartest thing to do is to work slowly and deliberately to avoid falling or slipping. The rain can make surfaces slippery and unsafe. If you’re working on a ladder or a scaffold, moving too quickly can spell disaster. Take your time. Rushing a job to get out of the rain is not worth the potential injury.

Each year, falls consistently account for the greatest number of fatalities in the construction industry. Move slowly and carefully on slippery surfaces and don’t rush, it’s not worth getting injured.

Use the Correct Equipment for Working in the Rain Safety

Not all tools are created equally. Only use tools that are rated for outdoor use when working in the rain. Choose hand tools that feature non-slip grips on their handles so that they don’t fly out of your hand. 

If you must use power tools that need an electric charge in the rain, choose equipment that is rated specifically for that type of weather and don’t risk electrocution.Always inspect your tools before use to ensure that they are free of defects and are in good overall condition.

If you’re working at night, make sure that your lighting equipment is both sufficiently bright and rated for outdoor use as well. 

Wear Your Rain Gear

Your rain gear should be high quality and ventilated so that you can wear it for long periods of time, if necessary. If you’re working in colder environments, choose fabrics like wool that insulate and keep you warm even if they get wet. Above all, rain gear should not restrict your movement in any way.

Your gear should include pants or overalls and a jacket, as well as appropriate boots and gloves. The boots should have a deep, non-slip tread to keep you safe in slippery situations. Gloves should always be worn to keep your hands warm while working in wet conditions, and they should have a strong non-slip grip. Dropping a running power tool or having a hammer slip out of your hand is the last thing you need while working in the rain.

All rain gear should be properly fitted to the individual. If it’s too large, it can slip off or interfere with movement, making an already dangerous situation more challenging. Make sure the cuffs of your gloves are tight, rainwater doesn’t get in. Similarly, don’t tuck the cuff of your rain pants into your boots because water can enter the boot that way.

Check Your Vision

Rain can make it difficult to see. If you’re planning to wear glasses or goggles while working in the elements, use anti-fog spray or wipes to keep seeing clearly. If you opt for a rain hat or hood, ensure that you retain full range of motion and that it doesn’t obstruct your vision while keeping the water out of your eyes. Hoods can narrow your range of vision, so take the time to look both ways, as well as above and below. Take care to make sure that you are always able to see clearly while working in the rain to avoid injury.

Be Highly Visible

If you are working in the dark, or in areas with vehicle traffic or heavy machinery, make sure that you can always be seen by your coworkers. A brightly colored reflective vest will ensure that others will take note of you. If the reflective strips on your vest or colors of your rain gear have dulled, replace that gear immediately. There is no excuse for willingly putting yourself in a dangerous situation.

Keep Your Employees Safe with Workers’ Comp from Canal HR

Knowing how to work safely in inclement weather will ultimately make whatever work you are doing safer and more efficient. Taking the proper safety precautions like those outlined in this guide will help you prevent any injury to yourself or others. Everyone should know the basics for working in the rain safety and should always adhere to them.

When accidents at work do happen, you want to make sure you have the proper workers’ compensation coverage required by law to take care of your business and your employees. Canal HR gets you the best deal on workers’ comp and helps take care of all the necessary paperwork, so you can focus on growing your business. 

Canal HR can also help you with risk management, payroll, and employee benefits. Contact us today for a free consultation.