Spring is just around the corner. This season also brings Spring showers. Falls due to slipping are very common and there are several things you could do to prevent accidents in areas under construction. Proper protective gear and planning ahead are essential in keeping your Austin contractors safe in wet conditions.
Planning Ahead For Bad Weather
One thing that could be done to prevent accidents is to plan ahead. Mother nature has a mind of her own, especially in Texas, but heavy rainfall is usually predictable. When you know that there is going to be heavy rainfall, take precautionary steps to prevent any accidents. Place protective sheets over scaffolding because they are very slippery when wet. Place any exposed wires out of the way of precipitation to prevent damage or electrocution. Store away any loose items such as tools. To prevent any damage to current projects, consider placing waterproof tarps over areas that might be affected by the elements. If concrete is getting poured, wait until the rainy weather has passed and the grounds have dried to ensure proper settling.
Protective Equipment
If rainy weather doesn’t prevent construction companies in Austin Tx from building, there are several things that could be done keep your workers safe while maintaining the workflow. Slip resistant footwear is an important accessory for all Austin construction workers to have. Slipping on a job site could cause serious injury to a worker. Not only are slip resistant footwear good for rainy weather, they are also beneficial for everyday liquid spills. Protective raincoats are good to wear also because they keep your clothing from getting soaked and chafing. Consider keeping several ponchos on the job site. They are lightweight and inexpensive to have in case of a sudden rainfall.
Being Cautious of Lightning
As you know, electricity and water do not mix well. If there are any live wires on the job site, turn off the electrical current leading to the wire and cover the wire to prevent corrosion. Although electrical tools are designed to be used outdoors, they shouldn’t be exposed to the rain. Do not use them if you are going to be in the rain unless under a protective tarp that prevents water exposure. If there is lightning present, keep your workers away from any metal structures or things that could be used as a lightning rods. Lightning tends to strike the highest point.
Weather Safe Zones
The only way to completely safeguard workers from elemental hazards is to keep them out of the rain. If at all possible, set up locations out of the rain to work on part of the project that could be assembled to the main area once weather conditions have cleared. If the weather is a severe storm with heavy rainfall and lightning without any alternate areas to work, it is best to stay out of the elements completely. Once the weather has cleared, evaluate the job site and proceed using the safety measures discussed because the areas will probably still be moist. Every job site is different and depending on the features of the site will determine the proper safety measures to take. The same thing applies to rainfall; light showers don’t require the same measures as heavy thunderstorms. The goal is to keep your workers, equipment, and job site safe. There will always be rain, and having a plan and the equipment will help maintain this goal.
