Spring and autumn months are highlighted by wind, rain and changing weather. The sudden changes from day to day – often from hour to hour – during these months can make working outside in the elements an unsafe challenge. But,...

Spring and autumn months are highlighted by wind, rain and changing weather. The sudden changes from day to day – often from hour to hour – during these months can make working outside in the elements an unsafe challenge. But, what can be done?

There are numerous tips that both workers and supervisors can follow that can help prevent serious injuries and, in the most severe circumstances, death.

As we move past the summer and into the fall, rainy, windy, inclement weather is always around the corner. Having said that, remember that even a minor drizzle can dramatically impact worker safety around the job site. Rainy conditions can affect job safety in countless ways, including:

• Live wires: Wet weather brings a higher probability that electrical cables can be live.
• Slippery surfaces: Whether you are walking across a plank walkway, a roof or a scaffolding surface, the wet weather can make these surfaces unnaturally slippery. Additionally, climbing a ladder can bring unforeseen challenges.
• Cave-ins: From a trench collapse to a tunnel cave-in, rainy weather can make soil more prone to structure failure.
• Lightning strikes: Even though thunderstorms might be more prevalent during the spring months, it’s always wise to keep an eye on the sky. When a storm brings lightning strikes, the entire construction site can be at risk as elements such as ladders, cranes and exposed girders can act as lightning rods.
• Heavy equipment: Operating heavy machinery from vehicles to power tools can take on challenging characteristics during inclement weather. The combination of rain and wind can make cranes, especially, dangerous.

Wearing the proper protective gear and protecting yourself against the cold can go a long way toward keeping you safe during the fall change of weather. Paying special attention to the factors mentioned can help you avoid serious injuries on a construction worksite .