Workplace Risks: Working In Wet Conditions & Inclement Weather

Edited By: Cecily Johnson, Legal Secretary

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If you work outdoors, you know you’re in for a challenging day when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Not only can inclement weather make you uncomfortable, but it also puts your safety and well-being at risk. An example is a sudden rain that makes walking surfaces slick. It’s far too easy to suddenly lose your footing on slick, wet surfaces and take a serious fall that leaves you injured.

How To Protect Yourself From Injury in Wet Conditions

Here are some of the precautions you can take to protect against a fall when working in wet weather:

• Wear the appropriate shoes: Your shoes should keep your feet dry, while also helping you maintain traction on all types of surfaces. If they’re failing to do their jobs for you, it’s time for a change.
• Slow down: It may go against everything you’re used to doing, but it’s critical to slow down when working in wet weather. This minimizes the risk of a slip and fall accident.
• Beware of slick surfaces: Some surfaces have a greater chance of becoming slick when the rain begins to fall. Blacktop is among the most dangerous surfaces, especially when you’re not wearing the appropriate type of shoes.

Even when you take these steps, among others, to protect against a fall when working in wet weather, you never know when disaster could strike.

Have You Suffered From a Work-Related Injury?

Should you suffer a workplace injury that results from inclement weather, stop what you’re doing to assess your situation. Even if you think it’s a minor injury, seek medical treatment to ensure that you have a full understanding of the extent. If you’re unable to immediately return to work following your injury, look into filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. You will need the money to help you financially as you recover. 

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