Employers have a responsibility to do whatever they can to keep their employees safe. For those that work outdoors, the weather is just another variable in the workplace.
Working in the rain entails certain specific dangers, such as motor vehicle operators with low visibility, cold temperatures, worsened grip on tools, and flooding. Recent increases in hurricanes and rainstorms only increase this risk for many workers. Rain makes the work more dangerous, but worker safety can be protected if you take the proper steps in advance.
Many workers feel inspired to work more quickly when it rains to reduce their time outside. However, rainy conditions are when it is most important that workers move slowly and deliberately. In order to keep safe, workers should take their time to complete all tasks, especially dangerous activities like scaling ladders.
Tools and Equipment
Rainy conditions are when it is most important to use the correct equipment. If you anticipate any rain, only use electrical tools that are specifically rated for outdoor use. Furthermore, use hand tools with textured nonslip grip handles. Using proper equipment allows employees to better operate with control.
People working in the rain should wear proper clothing that best keeps them dry, visible, warm, and able to complete their work.
The rain makes surfaces become slippery. Footwear with a deep tread is best to prevent injuries from slipping. Additionally, pulling your pant leg over your boot or shoe prevents water from entering.
Use gloves that have a slip-proof grip. In addition, the ideal gloves will be tight enough to prevent water from getting inside. Consider a wide selection of safety gloves to find the type that best matches your needs.
Most models are cut-resistant with grip enhancement, and some even feature external bracing to further protect the hand from impacts, accidental crushing or cutting.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises that cold stress is not limited to temperatures under 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Workers outside for long periods of time when rain or wind is present can get cold stress in temperatures up to 50 degrees. Injuries caused by cold stress include frostbite, hypothermia, and trench foot.
Keep warm by wearing both a coat and long pants. Ensure material is ventilated so it can be worn comfortably for extended periods. Select wool or synthetic materials can insulate even when it is wet.
Furthermore, rainy weather can impact the vision of drivers. For this reason, workers nearby motor vehicles should wear bright colors and reflective tape.
A wide range of durable, comfortable, high-visibility, wet-weather safety-rain gear safety rain gear is available for dealing with even the toughest weather.
The Kishigo Economy Rainwear Set is a full waterproof rain suit. It comes in lime or orange and costs only $53.50 per rain suit.
The Kishigo Black Series Jacket includes a strategically placed reflective trim and prismatic reflective material. This $106.50 jacket makes for a rare hybrid of the form (cool design) and function (feature-rich). It is made of waterproof material with durable seam-sealed construction. The jacket pairs well with the Kishigo Black Series Rainwear Bib Pants, which cost only $44.14. The bib comes with a unique kangaroo-style pocket and extra upper body rain protection.
The Kishigo Long Series Brilliant Rain Coat is a great solution for those who want to stay dry without wearing rainwear pants. It features bright colors, reflective piping, waterproof material, and a storm flap that will keep you both visible and dry. Each coat costs $63.00.
The Dicke Safety Products Two-Tone Windbreakeris a comfortable windbreaker that meets Class 3 requirements. It features a mesh inner lining, reflective stripes, and expandable breast pockets, at an affordable price of $38.50.
Another combination of jacket and rain pants that works well is the Kishigo Storm Stopper Pro Rainwear Jacket and Rainwear Pants. Both feature reflexite ® prismatic reflective tape, which performs exceptionally well under wet conditions, and provides additional durability over silver glass bead reflective materials. The jacket can be purchased for $70.00, and the pants for $34.00.
For more options, see a full selection of safety rain gear to find exactly what you need.
The hazards of working in the rain are not to be taken lightly. New conditions such as slippery surfaces and hindered visibility can put employees working at risk. The best way to guarantee safety is to acquire the right protective equipment so that employees can work more slowly and with greater control.
Metatag: Working in the rain demands proper rain gear and worker preparation to ensure worker safety. Shop today to find the right equipment that can guarantee workers are visible, dry, warm, and able to grip their belongings.
