Benefits of OSHA Safety Training - Effects of Weather

As far as Mother Nature goes there is little that anyone on this earth can do about her actions. Regardless of what portion of control we think we may have over the weather, all we are really doing is playing the duck and cover game. In OSHA safety training there is an adage and it goes something like this; Run from water hide from wind. That means you better haul you know what when the water starts to come to higher ground and when wind approaches, duck and cover.

Online OSHA Safety Training

Please have a quick look at a small portion of elements that weather can and does bring to a construction or industrial work site.

Wind:

· Can blow dust in your eyes

· Can blow materials and people off scaffolds, roofs or higher floors

· Can blow down poorly braced form-work or newly framed walls

Lightning: Often electrical storms occur without any rain. Therefore are very dangerous.

· Be sure to stay away from any type of tall object.

· If working around iron or re bar and lighting is seen, clear the area.

Rain, Sleet, Ice and Snow:

· All four are wet, some are cold, and all can cause slips, trips and falls.

· Snow, sleet and ice can cover floor openings and cause more slips, trips and falls.

· Mud can result in pulled muscles from straining.

· All four can ruin construction materials.

· Water, ice and snow can affect trenches and other excavations. Closely inspect all excavations to determine how the weather is affecting them.

· Water, when it accumulates on a jobsite, increases the changes for electrocution.

What other weather elements can adversely affect the jobsite?

What our policy is when working in high areas to tie down equipment or people? DESCRIBE

Who has the authority to shut down a job because of the danger of high winds?

Remember: When dealing with the weather and the effects of it on a construction project, use common sense and try to minimize the adverse effects.