While spring is often associated with fresh blooms and warmer temperatures, it may also bring rain showers. This type of weather can create wet and slippery conditions, posing various safety risks. In particular, rainy conditions could increase the likelihood of slips and trips, both outdoors and indoors. These incidents could result in serious ailments, including strains, sprains, broken bones, and even head and spinal cord injuries.
As such, it’s important for employees like you to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect yourself on the job, thus promoting a safe workplace and preventing potential injuries. Here are some best practices to help minimize slips and trips during springtime:
- Wear the right shoes. First and foremost, it’s critical to select safe footwear for rainy conditions. Be sure to wear nonslip boots or tennis shoes with proper traction in wet conditions.
- Follow designated paths. Always utilize labeled walkways and pedestrian paths in the workplace. These areas are specifically designed for the safe passage of foot traffic.
- Be cautious. Even if you are under time constraints or dealing with a particularly heavy workload, try to avoid rushing. Walk at a safe and steady pace, and remain alert for any hazards in the path ahead. Never multitask while walking, no matter how short your journey is. When walking on ramps or stairways, use any available handrails.
- Don’t create puddles. When you first enter the workplace after walking in wet conditions, your shoes—and raincoat and umbrella, if you use them—could easily carry water inside, even if you were only outdoors for a brief period. This could create puddles that others may slip and trip on. With this in mind, remember to wipe your shoes on the entrance mat or with a clean towel upon entering the workplace, and store your coat and umbrella away from any walkways. Further, encourage others to do the same. If you notice a puddle at any time, alert your supervisor and clean it up as quickly as possible.
- Watch for unaddressed hazards. In addition to looking for puddles, make sure to watch for any other unaddressed slip and trip hazards on the job. If you notice any issues, don’t hesitate to report them.
For additional spring safety guidance, speak to your supervisor.
For a copy of this notice, click here: Safety Focused – March 2025