Working with Heavy Equipments during the rainy season

The potential hazards present on a worksite can be exacerbated during inclement conditions such as rain. Working in the rain can cause slippery surfaces and limited visibility. However, steps can be taken to mitigate such hazards.

When working in the rain, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends:

• Move cautiously. Although the weather may make you inclined to work more quickly to get out of the rain, this is dangerous. Because rain causes slick surfaces, work more slowly and deliberately – particularly when climbing ladders.
• Use the correct equipment. Do not use electrical tools and equipment that are not specifically rated for outdoor use when working in the rain. Select hand tools with textured, nonslip grip handles.
• Wear proper footwear with a deep tread to prevent slipping. In the rain, be sure your pant leg lies over your boot or shoe. Tucking your pants into footwear can cause water to enter.
• Wear appropriate rain gear that includes both pants and a coat. Be sure the material is ventilated so it can be worn comfortably for extended periods. If it is cold, select wool or synthetic materials that insulate even when wet. Be certain clothing fits properly so it does not interfere with movement.
• Use proper hand protection that features a strong, slip-proof grip. Make sure gloves are adequately tight and long enough to allow your rain coat sleeve to prevent water from entering.
• Ensure adequate vision. If you wear glasses or goggles, use anti-fog spray or wipes on them before going outside. Wear a hood or hat to keep rain out of your eyes. Because a hood narrows your range of vision, be sure to look both ways when wearing one. When working at night, make sure lighting is adequate and the lights used are rated for outdoor use.
• Make sure you can be seen. Wear high-visibility clothing, especially in areas with vehicle traffic and heavy machinery. Do not wear rain gear or vests that have become dull or are no longer reflective.

DON’T LET RAINY WEATHER GET THE BEST OF YOUR SAFETY PROGRAM

Unless it’s pouring, it’s easy to forget how dangerous rain can be. Even a mild drizzle or a 30-minutes shower sets up the potential for slip and fall hazards and visibility issues that compromise worker safety. Consider that rainy conditions affect:

• Protective Gear. If your employees are working in the rain, they need to have the appropriate protective gear, including rain coats and waterproof footwear. If work is being done near moving water, your employees need to wear flotation devices. In several states, including California and Minnesota, employers are responsible providing protective gear for inclement weather.
• Cold Exposure. Typically, spring rains are cold rains, especially in the north east and Midwest, and that puts workers at risk for cold exposure.
• Live Wires. Wet weather brings a higher probability that electrical cables can be live.
• Slippery Surfaces. From walkways and roofs to scaffolding and the wet ground surrounding trenches, the presence of moisture means an increased chance of slip and fall accidents.
• Cave Ins. Dug out areas of earth are more prone to cave ins.
• Heavy Equipment Difficulties. The combination of rain and high winds can make it more difficult to operate certain pieces of equipment, especially those with higher profiles such as cranes.
• Lightning Strikes. Rain and thunderstorms increases the chances of lightning strikes, so workers should be kept away from cranes, exposed steel framework and other equipment or building features that can act as lightning rods.

While mining and construction equipment is built to operate in almost all conditions, the presence of heavy rain can reduce visibility for operators and turn the ground to mud. Slippery road conditions can cause heavy vehicles like dump trucks and service vehicles to drift uncontrollably. At the same time, heavy rain can compromise trench walls endangering assets and operators working nearby.

When strong winds present, it’s important to exercise good judgement. Carrying out hoisting and lifting operations in windy conditions can cause loads to swing and rotate. Wind speeds increase with height too, so it’s important to know the maximum wind speed for operation.

It’s important to consider also the hazards posed by dust. Strong winds can whip up dust and cause poor visibility, damage or irritate eyes, aggravate conditions such as asthma, and make it difficult for workers to hear properly. In these conditions, dust suppression strategies are crucial to maintain safe and efficient operating environments.