Autumn brings a range of seasonal hazards as cooler weather provides relief from the summer heat, but many regions also see an uptick in severe weather such as snow and ice, thunderstorms, and hurricanes.
As daylight dwindles, the shadows grow longer, casting a veil of danger over those brave souls who toil and traverse through the dimly lit abyss.
With that in mind, now is a good time to reevaluate your safety practices and remind workers — who work indoors and outdoors — to be vigilant about the hazards they may encounter during this season.
Autumn Workplace Safety Tips to Try
The fall season is associated with the beginning of flu season, and flu shots will be particularly significant this year due to the pandemic. You may want to consider providing a free on-site vaccination clinic for employees. Alternatively, you can encourage employees to get a flu shot at their local pharmacy or doctor’s office.
In addition to a flu shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three actions you can take to fight the flu:
• Wash your hands regularly Avoid close contact with sick people Wear appropriate clothes outdoors (coats, jackets, scarves, gloves, etc.)
It is important to prioritize mental health. During the holidays, it is important for leaders to be aware of the potential challenges that people may face and to offer support and resources to employees who may be in need.
Employees should follow ladder safety protocols and guidelines, such as selecting the appropriate ladder for the task and maintaining three points of contact, whether they are working on a job site, hanging decorations in the office, or cleaning gutters at home.
It is important to keep walkways clear of leaves to prevent slips and falls, as they can become slippery when wet. Additionally, during colder weather, it is necessary to clear sidewalks of ice and snow.
Ensure that company vehicles are prepared for the winter season by replacing wiper blades, inspecting tires and fluid levels, and replenishing the emergency kit.
Drivers should be aware of autumn road hazards such as rain, fog, fallen leaves, and deer crossings. The transition from summer to fall brings about various changes in road conditions. Some of the factors to be aware of include wet roads, standing water, and icy conditions.
Please remind your employees to be aware of potential hazards and drive defensively. Additionally, it would be helpful to review autumn driving tips for a refresher on best practices. Furthermore, reduced visibility in the darkness poses challenges for drivers in spotting pedestrians and bikers, necessitating increased caution in sharing the road.
A Mentally Healthy Workforce
To enhance indoor air quality, individuals can take simple actions such as staying home when unwell, adhering to the company’s smoking regulations, and reporting any concerns about indoor air quality to a manager.
Use caution with candles as the presence of open flames in offices should be avoided due to the potential fire hazard they pose, despite the cozy atmosphere they create.
Space heaters can pose a fire hazard if not used correctly. If your workplace permits the use of space heaters, it is important to educate employees on safe usage practices. Additionally, consider implementing a policy where employees must obtain approval from a supervisor before using a space heater at work to ensure the necessary precautions are taken.
It is important to inspect your smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits to ensure they are in good working order in case of an emergency.
Safe Shifts
Personal safety is a topic that should be regularly discussed with your employees. There are limitations to how much you can do to adequately prepare them for a shift that is free from harm. These tips can assist employees in preparing for a safe shift and serve as a reminder of site policies.
It is advisable to have spare clothes readily available in case of unexpected temperature drops.
To prevent overheating, it is suggested to layer clothing, especially in cooler temperatures.
Be mindful of your surroundings to prevent accidents such as tripping on mats or ice. Make sure to wear suitable footwear for the conditions and temperatures of autumn.
It is recommended to have hand sanitizer readily available at your workstation, bag, or other convenient locations to prevent the spread of germs to others.
As the weather cools, it is advisable to stay hydrated by bringing warm beverages in addition to water.
It is recommended to not wear loose layers when working around rotating machinery, such as conveyor belts.
To ensure safety in work areas, please hang up or tuck away your coats and jackets to prevent trip hazards.
Autumn Safety Tips for Leadership
During the fall season, it is recommended to complete any ongoing maintenance projects at your facility. It is important to be proactive and close out projects before the arrival of harsh winter conditions, especially if you live in an area prone to such weather.
Take advantage of this time of year to replenish and update emergency equipment, assess the condition of your building, and consider making improvements to your facilities.
It is advisable to have sidewalk salt available if there are unexpected ice accumulations in pedestrian areas. Also to prevent other slip hazards, it is important to keep pedestrian areas clear of fallen leaves.
Make sure to inspect your facility’s gutter systems and ensure they’re effectively redirecting water away from the foundation to avoid any potential damage.
All outdoor facility maintenance projects should be finished or closed before the weather changes for the season.
It is important to address any significant potholes in your site’s parking lot before they become covered by snow during the winter.
Before cold temperatures set in, you need to inspect your site’s heating system and ensure its effectiveness.
Please ensure that outdoor emergency supply containers contain an adequate stock of blankets, hand warmers, first aid kits, and other necessary items.
Examine reflective gear such as trailer yard jackets and vests, and replace any that show signs of excessive wear.
Conduct an audit of your emergency flashlights to ensure that all batteries are fully charged and have extra batteries readily available.
It is recommended to secure and cover outdoor equipment and furniture to prevent damage caused by high winds and freezing temperatures.
Take a closer look at your site’s stop signs, walkways, and entrances, and uncover endless possibilities for improvement!
Ensure that your outdoor maintenance staff or lawn care workers are informed about the risks of back injuries and how to prevent strain when collecting leaves.
Employees should stretch before collecting leaves to prepare their bodies for the workout. Remind employees to avoid bending or stooping, and pull on the rake using their arms and legs. Encourage employees to take breaks every 30 minutes to reduce back strain.
When employees use a leaf blower instead of rakes, it is important to ensure they are dressed appropriately, with all exposed skin covered to prevent injury from flying debris. It is also recommended to provide employees with suitable eye protection and encourage them to wear work-appropriate shoes, such as steel-toed footwear while operating the leaf blower.
Discussing the fall workplace safety topics below at your next safety meeting or posting materials on a bulletin board or your intranet can help ensure the safety of your employees during the season.
Corporate Drivers
Educating fleet drivers about fall weather conditions that affect road safety is essential. Rain can accumulate on roads, causing slippery conditions and increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning accidents. Watch out for those sneaky falling leaves as they can turn your road into a hazardous obstacle course, covering everything from traffic lines to potholes. Stay alert and navigate with caution!
During low temperatures at night, frost may form icy patches on roadways, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas.
Additionally, fog resulting from temperature variations can significantly reduce visibility while driving, resulting in hazardous driving conditions.
It is advised to encourage employees to reduce their speed, particularly in areas affected by rain, frost, or leaves. Employees need to be aware of and consider weather reports, their surroundings, and road conditions.
With these safety tips in the workplace, the environment will be better for employees during the colder months.
Expert Assistance
If your recruitment efforts are not panning out, and/or you need further help with creating a healthy and safe workplace environment, contact Search Masters for assistance. Our team of professionals can help you find the ideal personnel to empower your business.
Search Masters utilizes numerous online resources and tools to help you find the perfect people for your business.
Search Masters can assist you with creating job postings that could appeal to competent applicants and offer advice on assessing resumes and applications to find the ideal candidate for your business.
In addition, our assistance with interviewing skills, salary discussion tactics, and more is only a phone call away.