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Weather Conditions and Fall Hazards

Slips Trips Falls | OSHA Fatal Four

The Problem

Weather conditions can significantly increase the risk of falls at the workplace. Wet surfaces, icy scaffolding, or strong winds can turn even routine tasks into dangerous situations. Falls remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities, and weather-related hazards make this risk even greater. Today, we’ll discuss how weather impacts fall hazards and what we can do to stay safe.

Identify the Hazards

  • Slippery Surfaces:
    Rain, frost, or snow can make surfaces slick, increasing the chance of losing your footing.
  • Reduced Visibility:
    Fog, heavy rain, or snow can obscure hazards and make it difficult to navigate safely.
  • Strong Winds:
    Wind can destabilize workers, tools, or materials, particularly on elevated surfaces.‍
  • Structural Weakness: Snow or ice accumulation can stress scaffolding, roofs, and platforms, leading to collapses.

Safety Practices and Preventative Measures

To minimize the risk of falls during adverse weather, always follow these precautions:

  1. Pre-Work Inspection:

    • Inspect walking and working surfaces for ice, snow, or water accumulation.
    • Check ladders, scaffolding, and harnesses to ensure they are safe to use.
  2. Safe Work Practices:

    • Wear slip-resistant footwear to reduce the chance of slipping.
    • Use guardrails, harnesses, and other fall protection systems as required.
    • Never work on surfaces that are visibly unstable due to weather.
  3. Weather Monitoring:

    • Keep an eye on the weather forecast throughout the day.
    • Stop work immediately if conditions become unsafe, such as during heavy rain, snow, or strong winds.
  4. Clean and Maintain Surfaces:

    • Clear snow, ice, and debris from work areas before starting tasks.
    • Use salt, sand, or de-icing agents on walkways and ladders.
  5. Communication and Training:

    • Communicate weather hazards to the team during pre-shift meetings.
    • Ensure all workers are trained on recognizing weather-related fall hazards and using fall protection systems.

Real-Life Case or Scenario

Where possible, use an actual incident that you have experienced or been involved in.

E.g. In a recent incident, a construction worker fell 15 feet after slipping on an icy platform that wasn’t cleared before work began. The worker was not wearing a harness, and there were no guardrails in place. This preventable accident highlights the importance of clearing surfaces and using fall protection in poor weather.

Employee Responsibilities

  • Inspect all work areas for weather-related hazards before starting tasks.
  • Wear proper footwear and use fall protection equipment as required.
  • Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor immediately.
  • Follow all safety procedures, including stopping work during unsafe weather.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Provide the necessary fall protection systems, such as harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets.
  • Clear snow, ice, and water from surfaces before workers begin tasks.
  • Train employees to recognize and respond to weather-related hazards.
  • Monitor weather conditions and make decisions to pause or delay work when necessary.

Discussion & Questions

  • "What weather conditions have you encountered that made working conditions unsafe?"
  • "How do you inspect your work area for weather-related fall hazards?"
  • Open the floor for employees to share their experiences or concerns regarding weather and falls.

Commitment/Action Plan

Let’s commit to inspecting our work areas for weather hazards before starting any tasks. If conditions are unsafe, report them immediately and ensure the necessary precautions are in place. Together, we can reduce the risk of falls and keep everyone safe.

Wrap-Up

Weather conditions can change rapidly and create serious risks for falls. By staying vigilant, using the right equipment, and working together to address hazards, we can prevent injuries and fatalities. Thank you for your attention and for prioritizing safety.

Standards Overview

  • OSHA requires employers to identify and mitigate fall hazards under 1926 Subpart M (Fall Protection).
  • Workers must be protected from fall risks using appropriate equipment and procedures, especially during adverse weather conditions.
  • Employers are responsible for ensuring walking-working surfaces are safe and properly maintained.
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Legal Disclaimer

This toolbox talk is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The information presented is based on best practices and general industry standards but may not apply to all workplace situations.
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It is the responsibility of the employer, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards. The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
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Participants are encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals to address specific concerns or questions. Always follow your organization's policies and procedures for workplace safety and hazard mitigation.

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