Top safety tips for autumn
Posted on 28th Sep, 2015 | By Lorretta Tatham
Just because it’s autumn, it doesn’t mean the work begins to slow down. While many of you may welcome the cooler working temperatures, there are many risk factors that come with the autumn and winter season that you need to keep on top of. Whether you’re clearing leaves from gutters, working from a roof, or hanging up some Christmas lights, our top safety tips for autumn are a must-read.
Tip #1 Clear up any loose leaves
Any fallen leaves that lie within your working area are a real risk. Whether they lie near your ladder or next to your van, there’s a chance of slipping as you work to get a job done. While clearing the leaves around your van may seem a little extreme think about how many trips you’ll be making to and from your vehicle during a job? Each time you walk that path you’ll be facing risks if there are loose leaves lying around.
Tip #2 Use caution on ladders
Ladders can be dangerous in the best of weather conditions, but throw in wet, drizzly, grey weather and you can have a recipe for disaster. To prevent accidents and slips on ladders follow these handy tips:
- Check your ladder and tools are in good working condition. Before you start any job it’s important to carry out an assessment of your tools and access equipment. During the wetter months there may be a risk of dampness in your storage area, leading to corrosion or reduced quality of your tools and equipment.
- Wear appropriate footwear. Regular shoes or boots with smooth soles and heels won’t provide adequate protection for the job. Instead, you’ll need to wear shoes or boots that provide traction – such as those with non-slip rubber or neoprene grooved soles.
- Wear the appropriate PPE. One of the biggest dangers in wet weather is posed by slips, trips and falls. Wearing the right PPE will reduce the severity of your injuries should you have a fall.
- Check the surface you’re working from. A surface not only needs to be even, it also needs to be safe and sturdy – so you don’t want to be placing your ladder on top of wet leaves or mounds of mud.
- Remember to follow all the usual safety tips such as pitching your ladder correctly, keeping three points of contact at all times, and standing well below the top three rungs of the ladder.
Tip #3 Stay warm
If you’re working outside it’s important to stay warm – but make sure you opt for attire that complements the work you’re doing. If you’re covering your ears, make sure you can hear what’s going on around you. Reflective clothing will also be useful during the grey, darker months.
Tip #4 Choose your working times sensibly
As the nights draw in it’s wise to reconsider your working hours. To avoid working in the dark try and wrap up all work by 4pm and avoid starting any earlier than 8am. Poor visibility can increase your risk of accidents.
For more safety tips and advice book onto one of our Safety Training Courses. There are a wide range of courses available, all of which are designed to keep you safe on the job. Call our training team on 01282 615517 to find out more.
