How To Stay Safe When Working On A Construction Site In The Rain

The spring and summer months in New York have the potential to bring quite a bit of rain to the local area. If you’re working outdoors when the rain begins to fall, such as on a construction site, it’s critical to adjust your approach to prevent an accident.

Here are five steps you can take to stay safe when working in the rain:

• Slow down: When the rain begins to fall, it’s natural to speed up in an attempt to get the job done as quickly as possible. However, doing so is actually a mistake, as the faster you work the greater chance there is of an accident, such as a slip and fall.
• Don’t use electrical tools: Unless the tool is rated for wet weather use, avoid it at all costs. Using an electrical tool in a rainstorm can result in electrocution, which can lead to serious injuries or even death.
• Wear rain gear: It’s difficult enough to work in the rain, but if you’re not wearing the proper clothing you’re likely to focus most of your attention on how poorly you feel. With water resistant clothing, you can focus on the task at hand, instead of how wet you are.
• Visibility is a must: For example, if your job requires you to wear goggles, use antifogging spray to ensure that you’re able to see clearly when working. Also, wearing a hat can keep the rain out of your eyes.
• Protect your hands: When your hands are wet, it’s difficult to get a grip on even the lightest items. Wear gloves that are comfortable, water resistant and allow you to maintain a strong grip.

In a perfect world, the sun would shine the entire time you’re working. Unfortunately, this isn’t likely to happen in New York during the spring and summer months.

If you’re injured in a construction site accident, stop what you’re doing to assess the situation and administer first aid. You can then call for help, if necessary, and report the injury to your supervisor and HR department.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident and your injuries, you may need to learn more about your legal rights for seeking compensation.