3 safety concerns when working outside in the rain

Working in construction, maintenance and a variety of other blue-collar professions may expose people to the elements. Many people learn about the hazards of being outside during extreme heat in the summer and during inclement winter weather, including snow and hail storms.

Fewer employees focus on the risks related to more common weather, such as rainstorms. Precipitation can occur in almost any season. Even warmer winter days may see rainfall. Unfortunately, how common rainstorms are may lead to workers and their employers failing to take them as seriously as they probably should. There are numerous hazards associated with working outdoors in the rain, with the three mentioned below being the most concerning in many cases.

Hypothermia caused by wet clothing

When rainstorms occur in lower temperatures, workers with wet clothing or shoes may note a significant decrease in their body temperatures. They may shiver or experience muscle tension caused by the cold. For some workers, protracted exposure to rain and cold temperatures can lead to compromised immune function and increased risk of illness. Workers may need equipment to help them stay dry or opportunities to change into dry clothing when the precipitation stops.

Lightning strikes

Lightning can occur with little warning during rainstorms. In some cases, workers as far as 10 miles away from active rainfall could be at risk of a lightning strike. Generally speaking, employers should take appropriate steps to shield workers who do their jobs outside when lightning occurs at the job site or within a 10-mile radius. Providing structural shelters or allowing workers to shelter in their vehicles could protect them from potentially deadly injuries.

Issues related to wet surfaces

As rain falls, it can affect the traction that vehicles and workers can maintain on paved surfaces. Heavy rain can also compromise soil stability, leading to an increased risk of cave-ins for workers doing their jobs below grade. Rainstorms can lead to workers slipping and falling, getting trapped by sliding earth or losing control of vehicles or heavy machinery.

Regardless of the underlying cause of a worker’s injuries on the job, they may be able to apply for workers’ compensation benefits. Professionals who perform job tasks outdoors may be eligible for medical benefits and disability pay if they get hurt due to unsafe work conditions.