How to work safely in the rain this spring

With the spring season finally on its way, many outdoor workers in Minnesota will rejoice in the fact that cold temperatures are in the past. However, they won’t look forward to working in the rain.

Not only is working in the rain uncomfortable, but it also puts your safety at risk. If you find yourself completing any type of job in wet conditions, here are some safety tips you can follow to prevent an accident and subsequent injuries:

• Slow down: When the rain is falling, the ground is slick. And when the ground is slick, there’s a greater chance of falling. Slow down, watch every step you take and do your best to avoid areas that are dangerous.
• Wear the right shoes: This goes along with slowing down and watching your steps. Your shoes should have plenty of traction, as well as a design to keep your feet dry.
• Wear waterproof gloves: Not only does this keep your hands dry, but it improves your grip. Just make sure you wear waterproof gloves, as you don’t want them to become waterlogged after a little bit of rain.
• Ensure your visibility: If your visibility is limited, it can impact your ability to maintain your safety and complete the task at hand. It may be necessary to leave the job site until conditions improve, as it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Make yourself visible: When the weather takes a turn for the worse, it’s often a challenge for other workers to see you and keep track of you. There are many ways to make yourself visible, such as wearing bright-colored clothing.

You can guarantee that the spring months will bring plenty of rain to the area. As someone who works outdoors, do your part in preparing in advance.

If you’re injured in a workplace accident in the rain, do the following:

• Report the incident to your employer
• Seek medical treatment
• Inform your employer of your injuries and treatment plan
• File a claim for workers’ compensation benefits if you can’t return to work

The sooner you take these steps, the sooner you’ll begin to recover. Acting fast also reduces the likelihood of a workers’ compensation claim denial.