There is a lot to love about the spring season. Flowers are blooming and the weather is warming, but if you work outside, the spring weather can be treacherous. Working in spring weather conditions may lead to an accident and an injury which could become a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim.
What types of weather conditions can be dangerous for you if you’re working outside during the spring months?
Rain: Of course the first type of weather that comes to mind when thinking about spring is rain. In the early spring, rain can even be mixed with snow or sleet (depending on which part of the state you’re working in) and that can add another layer to the issues that this weather condition creates. Whether it is mixed with frozen precipitation or not, rain can make any surface you’re working or walking on very slippery which can put you in a very unsafe position. If you’re going to be working outside in the rain you should take precautions to keep yourself from slipping. Some of these precautions may include wearing boots with rubber soles on them, bit climbing wet ladders or stairs and avoiding surfaces where you can not get traction.
Lightning: Along with the concern about rain in the spring there is also a concern about lightning that could lead you to getting seriously injured. While it is very rare for lightning to strike, it does happen and can become very severe if the situation is right. If you see lightning while you’re working outside you should immediately stop working and move inside. Once the lightning has cleared you will be able to resume your duties in a safe way.
Mud: This is another weather condition that comes along with rain, the main culprit. When the ground is softening after being frozen during the winter months it can become slippery and mud can form. When the ground is muddy it can make for dangerous conditions for workers to walk on and also if heavy machinery is involved in the duties of the job that you are working on it can make it unsafe to operate when it is in the mud. There are steps that construction companies can take to combat these slippery and unstable conditions. If these conditions are not addressed in a timely manner it could lead to dangerous conditions for the workers who are operating the equipment or are maneuvering around the worksite.
Wind: The only weather element on our list that may appear on its own is wind. If conditions are windy it can be especially treacherous for workers who are required to be on tall ladders or scaffolding. If you are working at a height that is not on the ground floor you should be aware that if the wind starts to pick up you could be put in a dangerous situation and if the elements get too bad you should immediately get down from the ladder or scaffolding and wait for the conditions to calm. If they don’t, you may need to call it a day and get back to it the following day.
Weather conditions, especially in the spring, can make it particularly hard to work outside. If the proper precautions are not taken these weather conditions can lead to an injury that may result in a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim. If this is the case you may need to speak with a board certified attorney that can work with you to help you navigate the claims process. Contact our office and one of our attorneys will speak with you to get the details of your situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.
