Spring is officially here, and rainy weather along with it. That increases the risk of slips, falls and other mishaps for outdoor workers that can lead to injuries on the job.
Rainwear is a category of PPE that tends to get less attention than other categories such as eye and hearing protection, but it’s equally important to keeping outdoor workers safe on the job.
Let’s face it, there’s nothing pleasant about getting soaked in the rain – particularly in Spring’s cooler temperatures. And when workers are uncomfortable their productivity and their safety can be compromised.
Building Your Wet-Weather PPE Program
The first step in building a rainwear safety program is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the worksite and your workers requirements. Start with these basic questions:
- What tasks will employees perform in the rain?
- How often or long will workers be exposed to rain?
- Are there other hazards, such as chemical splash, or risk of electric shock?
- Are specific rainwear standards applicable to this job? (High visibility, for example?)
- Is breathability an important factor in this environment?
Selecting the right rainwear for the right application is important, but some basic principles apply. Rain causes slick surfaces, so proper footwear is essential. Look for hooded jackets and pants that fit over boots to prevent rain from entering footwear and getting under collars. Select hand protection that features a slip-proof grip, and ensure gloves are long enough to fit underneath the raincoat sleeve. All these features keep workers dry, comfortable and productive, regardless of wet weather.
Contact one of our safety experts to help you build a rainwear program for your sites or check out our wide selection of rainwear here.
