February 2024
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Shielding Against the Storm: Staying Safe In The Rain
When the rain starts pouring, the last thing any employer wants is for their employees to be unprepared! Having the proper rain gear, like rain jackets and pants, isn’t just a matter of convenience. Instead, it’s essential to ensure your workers can work safely. The National Weather Service reports that in 2022, rain caused millions of dollars in damage to properties and agriculture, resulting in deaths and injuries. Inclement weather overall during 2022, which includes rain events, caused 626 deaths, 1,198 injuries, and over $20 million in damage.
Picture this: It’s a rainy day, and your employees work outdoors, exposed to inclement weather. OSHA would expect you to consider your workers’ safety and well-being. One crucial aspect of protecting your workforce in wet conditions is providing them with the proper rain gear.
From protecting against potential hazards to maintaining productivity in rainy conditions, selecting the correct rain gear for workers cannot be overstated.
Selecting Proper Rain Gear
When selecting rain gear, employers must consider vital factors that keep their employees dry and safe.
1. Water-resistant and Breathable: Look for waterresistant and breathable rain gear to keep your workers dry and comfortable during wet weather conditions. You don’t want your workers’ clothes getting damp and bogged down with water. It’ll distract them and even slow down their productivity.
2. Proper Fit: Ensure your workers’ rain gear fits well and allows for freedom of movement without being too loose or restrictive. If workers’ rain gear is restrictive or doesn’t keep their clothes dry, they may not use it, or worse—they may not be focused on the task at hand!
3. Visibility: Choose rain gear that is brightly colored (such as yellow-green, orange-red, or red) or has reflective strips to enhance visibility, especially in low-light conditions. Inclement weather conditions can make it difficult to see your workers.
4. Slip Resistance: Consider footwear with slipresistant soles or traction to prevent slips and falls on wet surfaces.
5. Proper Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain rain gear to ensure it remains in good condition. Replace any damaged or worn-out rain gear promptly.
See The Difference
Water beads up on a quality rain jacket vs. soaking in on non water-resistant material.
High-Visibility PPE
Did you know that OSHA can cite employers for not providing workers with proper personal protective equipment (PPE)? Rain gear, such as high-vis rain jackets, pants, and suits, can help ensure workers can be adequately seen by equipment operators and motorists, giving them sufficient time to react and avoid striking workers.
ANSI/ISEA 107-2020, the American National Standard for High- Visibility Safety Apparel, specifies acceptable colors for highvis PPE and defines different classes and types based on the amount of visible retroreflective materials and design attributes incorporated into the PPE. For example, Class O means off the roadway, and Class R means on the roadway. Class R apparel has more than three times the visible reflective background material than Class O rain gear—ensuring workers can be seen!
During inclement weather driving, rainy conditions can impair vehicle control and driver visibility, requiring motorists and operators to reduce their vehicle speed, increase following distance, and use headlights, windshield wipers, and defrosters while driving in the rain. Type 1 rain gear is recommended where traffic is up to 25 mph, Type 2 for speeds up to 50 mph, and Type 3 gear for over 50 mph. Using high-visibility PPE and rain gear with the correct Type and Class ensures workers stay visible.
A Solid Investment
Investing in high-quality rain gear is essential for staying dry and comfortable in wet weather conditions, allowing workers to continue their activities without being hindered by the rain. Remember to choose rain gear that is water-resistant, breathable, and suits workers’ specific needs for their work activities.
NEW WEBCAST SPONSORED BY J. J. KELLER® SAFEGEAR® PPE
New and Upcoming OSHA Enforcement: 3 Rulings You Need to Look Out For
- Heat illness prevention rulemaking and enforcement
- Proposed rule for PPE fit and why it is important
- Migration to safety helmets and what does that mean
And we’ll cover OSHA’s most cited regulations of 2023.
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