As a worker in the state of Pennsylvania, you know that the spring season typically brings heavy rain to the area. If you work outdoors, wet weather puts you at risk of both accident and illness.
Fortunately, with the right strategy guiding you, it’s possible to maintain your safety while working even in the wettest of conditions. Here are five things you should get into the habit of doing:
- Watch your step: Wet surfaces are slick, so take short steps and move cautiously. Along with this, make sure you wear shoes that have enough tread, as this will help you grip the surface.
- Be careful when using tools: For example, if you’re using an electric tool in wet weather, electrocution is a common concern. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so don’t use a tool that has the potential to harm you.
- Wear rain gear: This includes many things, ranging from waterproof gloves to pants and a coat that shed water. If your clothes become soaked, it’s much more difficult to concentrate on your job.
- Protect your eyes: Visibility is often an issue in heavy rain, so take steps to protect your eyes and ensure that you can see what you’re doing. The best way of doing so is to wear goggles or safety glasses. Just make sure you clear them regularly should they become wet.
- Make it easy for others to see you: If another person can’t see you, there’s a greater chance that they’ll cause an accident. Take, for instance, a construction site in which there are moving vehicles everywhere. Wear bright-colored clothing so that drivers can see you at all times. With low visibility, you have to do everything in your power to ensure that you’re visible to your co-workers.
When you take these steps, you’ll find it easier to work safely outdoors in wet weather. Should you injure yourself in an accident, such as a slip and fall, move to a dry place and assess your injuries.
If your diagnosis and treatment plan calls for you to take time away from work, consider the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim.
