Vol.25 | No.47 | Week of 11-24-25

WORKING SAFELY IN THE RAIN

Working in the rain
can cause slippery
surfaces and limited
visibility. However,
steps can be taken
to mitigate such
hazards.
!

Date:

Job Name:

Supervisor Signature:

Employees working in the rain face additional hazards, such as poor visibility and
wet, slippery surfaces. Here are work practices that will help prevent accidents
and injuries when working in the rain.

ñ Move more slowly and carefully. When working in the rain, a natural
reaction is to try to work more quickly to get back inside as soon as
possible. However, because rain makes everything more slippery, you
should do the exact opposite – work more slowly and deliberately to
prevent slipping and falling, especially when climbing ladders.

ñ Use the correct equipment. Do not use electrical tools and equipment that
are not specifically rated for outdoor use when working in the rain. When
using hand tools, use tools with textured, nonslip grip handles.

ñ Wear appropriate rain gear. If you are cold and wet, you are likely
concentrating more on how miserable you are than the work at hand. Rain
gear which includes both a coat and pants or overalls and is ventilated
should be worn for prolonged wet-weather work. If it’s cold and rainy, wool
or synthetic fibers specifically designed for cold weather use are the best
for wear under rain gear because it will keep you warm even if it gets wet.
Also, wear rain gear that is the proper size; if it’s too large it may interfere
with movement.

ñ Wear appropriate footwear. Footwear for use in inclement weather
should have deep treads to help prevent slipping. Footwear that is in poor
condition (treads are worn down or worn smooth or footwear with holes)
should not be worn.

ñ Use proper hand protection. When doing work requiring a sure grip (using
hand tools, for example), wear gloves that fit snugly and provide a nonslip
grip. To prevent water from entering gloves, make sure that the sleeve of
the glove is either tight fitting or is long enough that it fits under the cuff of
your raincoat.

ñ Ensure that you can see. If wearing goggles or eyeglasses, use antifogging
sprays or wipes on them before going outside. Be sure that the area you are
working in is well lit; if needed, light the area using lights rated for outdoor
use. Wear hoods or hats to keep rain out of your eyes. Also, since hoods on
rain gear narrow your range of vision, make it a point to turn your head to
look both ways and above and below you when wearing a hood in the rain.

ñ Make sure that you can be seen. If working in an area where there is
vehicular traffic (trucks, cars, forklifts, etc.), always wear bright-colored,
reflective vests or rain gear, even during the day. Do not wear rain gear or
vests that have become worn and are dull and/or no longer reflective.

Vol.25 | No.47 | Week of 11-24-25

MEETING ATTENDEES