If you work outdoors, you know one thing to be true: The weather conditions will not always be ideal.
In San Bernardino, there are times when the temperature is hot. There are times when it’s a bit cooler than you would like. And of course, there are times when the rain is coming down in buckets.
If you find yourself working in the rain, it’s imperative that you take a few key steps in regard to your safety:
- Slow down. Since conditions are less than ideal, you need to slow down and act with caution. Rushing in the rain is never a good idea, as this increases the likelihood of an accident.
- Use the right equipment. For example, you never want to use electrical tools in wet conditions (unless they are rated for outdoor use in wet conditions).
- Wear the right clothes. It may not be comfortable, but you need to wear rain gear to protect yourself. If your clothes get wet, it will make for a miserable day.
- Wear the right shoes. You need to protect your feet at all costs, which means keeping water on the outside.
- Use hand protection. You want to make sure your grip is strong when working in the rain, so the right gloves are imperative.
These are just a few of the many steps you can follow to improve your safety when working in the rain.
If you do these things but still suffer an injury, don’t hesitate to receive immediate medical attention. You should never attempt to treat yourself, as only a medical professional can diagnose your injury in an accurate manner.
If your injury will keep you away from work in the future, it’s time to learn more about the workers’ compensation system and where you fit in.