Fall is here! But that also means so is seasonal maintenance, more rainfall, and temperature swings (especially in Texas), all of which can all lead to workplace accidents. That’s why it’s important to make autumn safety part of your safety strategy this time of year.
Taking time now to remind employees about fall and weather-related risks can prevent workplace injuries and downtime later. It’s a good idea to revisit your training programs and perform seasonal inspections of your facility and equipment.
Seasonal Workers and Fall Safety Tips
Fall usually means more new or temporary workers on the job. Warehouses start hiring for the holiday rush, and outdoor crews get busy with pre-winter maintenance jobs. New people and extra hours can mean more mistakes if safety isn’t kept front and center. Everyone should be properly educated on new hire safety training before starting any work.
Learn more about Safety Training For Seasonal Workers
1. Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls
One of the most important fall safety tips is to address slip and trip hazards. Fallen leaves, rain, and even early frost can make outdoor areas slick.
Here’s what you can do:
- Keep entrances, sidewalks, and parking lots clean and dry.
- Put out warning signs when it’s wet or icy.
- Get those lights fixed, dark corners and walkways cause more falls than people realize.
- Remind workers to wear slip-resistant shoes.
Inside the workplace, floors should be kept dry and clutter-free. Inspect mats, rugs, and transitions between flooring materials to prevent tripping hazards.
Read more about Fall Protection Safety
2. Check Heating Systems and Indoor Air Quality
As temperatures drop, heating systems are switched on, sometimes for the first time in months. Dust buildup or blocked vents can lead to poor indoor air quality…or even fire risks.
So before you flip the switch, take a look at your heating setup. Make sure filters are changed, vents aren’t blocked, and the exhaust fans are working. You’d be surprised how often one of them fails and no one notices until the place smells burnt.
And while you’re at it, keep flammables far from heaters or vents. Our safety inspectors have seen oily rags and boxes stacked too close more times than we can count. A small mistake like that can turn into a big fire. Good airflow is of course an autumn safety concern, but it also keeps your crew feeling better and working better!
3. Stay Safe During Seasonal Maintenance
This time of year, you’ll see more roof work, landscaping, and general repairs. That means all types of ladders, lifts, and harnesses are coming out of storage. Fall safety tips go hand in hand with fall protection.
Reminders for outdoor crews:
- Check your harnesses and tie-offs before every use.
- Inspect ladders before each use and set them on firm, secure surfaces.
- Follow OSHA fall protection guidelines and training requirements.
In Texas, you might get rain in the morning and sun in the afternoon. That kind of weather change can make surfaces slick fast.
4. Prepare for Early Darkness and Weather Changes
With shorter days, a lot of workers are clocking in or out in the dark. It’s easy to miss a step, a curb, or even another person walking by. Visibility drops fast when the sun sets earlier, not to mention foggy mornings.
So now’s the time to double-check your lighting setup around the property. Parking lots, walkways, and loading areas should be bright enough that you can see your own shadow. If any bulbs are broken or flickering, change it. Take extra precautions by making sure to get everyone in reflective gear.
Also, take a minute to talk to your team about driving. Rain, wind, and glare off the wet pavement are dangerous this time of year. Slow down, keep headlights clean, and leave extra space. A short talk in the morning meeting can be a great reminder to many.
5. Review Emergency Preparedness Plans
Autumn can bring unpredictable weather like storms, heavy winds, and power outages. Make sure your workplace emergency plan is current.
- Test alarms and backup generators.
- Restock first aid kits and emergency supplies.
- Communicate procedures for evacuations and severe weather events, perhaps even safety drills
A little bit of emergency response training helps your team be ready for whatever the autumn months bring.
Contact Safety by Design for Safety Consulting Services in Houston
Safety by Design provides expert training and consulting to help companies prepare for every season. We’ve been helping Texas companies get their autumn safety in order for years. If you need help with training, give us a call! Our services include OSHA training courses, safety program development, site safety evaluations, compliance and safety management, and customized safety consulting for various industries.
Contact Safety by Design today to schedule seasonal safety training and promote workplace safety awareness this fall!
