Most Common Work-Related Accidents Caused By Rain And Other Weather Conditions

California’s weather has become unpredictable over the years. People have to prepare for extreme conditions, like excessive rainfall, more often. During these rainy days, our workforce has to be extra careful, not just to avoid sickness but also work-related accidents. Rain and snow can cause slippery roads and pavements, increasing the risks of motor vehicle accidents and slips and falls.

Certain California regions get substantial snow from January to February each year. The Golden State receives 75% of its annual precipitation from November to March. About 50% of that precipitation falls from December through February, creating a potentially dangerous mix of rain and snow. These bad weather conditions were the primary or secondary factors in some of the cases our personal injury attorneys have handled here at Arash Law. Regardless of the industry, the workforce can be among the most vulnerable to these accidents.

What Dangerous Weather Conditions Can Affect Workers?

Excessive rainfall and snowfall in some areas of California are becoming the norm. Although we can’t control the weather, we can manage how we react to it. This is important in the workforce, which has to carry on with its operations even in bad conditions.

Here are the most common workplace accidents brought on by bad weather conditions:

Work-Related Accidents Caused By Rain

Rainfall creates a risky environment for employees who have to continue working. However, slippery roads and walkways aren’t the only things they have to be careful of. Low visibility during heavy rains could also create problems. Slip-and-fall accidents, as well as traffic collisions, are frequently documented during these conditions.

One of the most important things to consider as an employer is avoiding electrocution accidents. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has included it as one of the Focus Four Hazards in construction. Nevertheless, electrocution can happen anywhere, including factories and office spaces, and it has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries. Consulting experienced workplace accident attorneys can help injured workers and their families better understand their rights and possible legal options.

Rainy Day Safety Tips For Workplaces

Our California personal injury law firm encourages workers to drive carefully. Even if you’re within the limit, going at the maximum allowable speed may still be dangerous depending on the weather. Always use your signal lights to communicate with other drivers.

Here are more safety tips to avoid workplace accidents during rainy days:

• Keep Floors Dry — Workers and other individuals can track water inside on rainy days. It’s important to mop and dry any small puddles indoors to prevent slip-and-fall accidents. Additionally, signs and orange cones should be set up in areas with wet floors to warn people to be cautious when walking.
• Proper Clothing — Workers exposed to cold rain for long hours can experience symptoms of cold stress. To avoid this, employers should provide workers with water-resistant clothing. Meanwhile, employees are encouraged to layer their clothes.
• Improve Visibility — Employees who work outside during rainy days and other weather conditions that make the sky dark should wear gear that helps them become more visible to cars, trucks, and other vehicles on the road. Their employers should also provide them with flashlights and other accessories that can help them be safer at night.
• Move Cautiously — Take small steps and avoid hurrying. Handle equipment carefully to keep it from slipping off.
• Use Proper Equipment — If you have to work outdoors in the rain, use the proper equipment meant for outdoor applications. These often have textured, non-slip handles that provide extra grip when it rains. Employers should have this equipment at their workers’ disposal.
• Break Time — Companies must allow employees to take breaks. Employees can use this time to warm up.
• Protection From Electrocution — Given that electrocution is one of the Focus Four Hazards, OSHA has provided an in-depth guide on how to avoid related accidents. Contents include the responsibilities of employers, such as isolating electrical parts and maintaining proper grounding.
• Provide Training — Regular training for employees may help prevent accidents. In case of such incidents, workers will be well aware of what to do.

Staying alert and following these safety measures can reduce the risks of injuries during rainy conditions. If an accident does happen, consider speaking with a rain accident attorney. They can help you understand your legal rights and explore possible options for pursuing compensation, if necessary.

Work-Related Accidents Caused By Snow

The winter months are among the most dangerous in certain parts of the Golden State, including the Sierra Nevada Range, Northern California, and some parts of Southern California. Snow and ice can make roads and walkways slippery, increasing the risks of motor vehicle crashes, including car accidents, truck collisions, and motorcycle wrecks. They may also lead to slip-and-falls and pedestrian accidents.

During snow days, employees who are traveling to and from work are often the victims. Some employers may also require workers, such as truckers, to drive on an icy day, which may put them at risk of getting injured in a crash. Additionally, delivery and ridesharing drivers are prone to these issues. Lyft and Uber collisions can happen when vehicles lose traction on snowy roads.

If you were injured in a car crash on a snowy day, speak with one of our car accident lawyers. They can explain whether you can seek compensation for medical expenses and other losses.

Physical harm caused by snow-related workplace accidents can be considered a work injury when it occurs during the course of performing job duties, which may allow victims to pursue workers’ compensation benefits in addition to other legal options.

Slips and falls are also widely reported during the winter months. Construction workers, haulers, shippers, and couriers are some of the most affected. Aside from having to walk on slippery walkways, they also tend to carry heavy items, which could fall on them if they slip. In particular, highway construction accidents during snowy conditions can be especially hazardous for roadside crews, as icy roads increase the risk of vehicles losing control near active work zones.

Surfaces can also get weighed down by snow and collapse. Employers should have these areas inspected before workers enter to confirm they are structurally sound.

Roofers are also at risk of falling. Aside from possibly slippery roofs, snow can also hide obstructions or skylines.

How To Avoid Workplace Accidents During The Winter Season

Here are some safety tips from OSHA:

• Winter Driving — Employers should keep vehicles properly maintained. They should also be adequately equipped for snowy roads. For example, tires should have proper tread depth, and all signal lights should also work.
• Emergency Kit — Workers should be provided with an emergency kit. The set may include a flashlight with extra batteries, a two-way radio or cellphone, a windshield ice scraper, a shovel, a tow chain, water, blankets, and emergency flares.
• High Visibility Vests — Road workers and others exposed to traffic should wear high visibility vests.
• Snow Shoveling — Cold weather can be taxing on the body. OSHA recommends that every worker tasked with shoveling snow warm up first. Pushing the snow instead of lifting it can also prevent physical strain.
• Downed or Damaged Power Lines — Assume that all power lines are energized. Steer clear of these and call the responsible authorities immediately. Only properly trained and equipped personnel should handle such issues.
• Cold Stress — Outdoor workers may develop cold stress if exposed to low temperatures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends employees schedule any maintenance and repair jobs for warmer months. They should also reduce physical demands on their workers. In addition, workers have to be provided with warm liquids and warm areas for breaks.

Negligence And Bad Weather Conditions

Negligence is the failure to behave with reasonable care that another person would otherwise provide. Employers must take appropriate steps to keep a work environment safe for employees. For example, they must provide their workers with adequate breaks during the day, which could give them time to warm up in colder conditions.

Meanwhile, workers also have to act with care. One example is Uber drivers, who are considered to be the ridesharing company’s partners. They need to exercise caution whenever it rains or snows to transport passengers safely. The same goes for every worker whose actions may potentially injure another person.

If an individual or entity fails to take these reasonable precautions or acts negligently, they could be sued for damages. Victims or their families can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Our personal injury attorneys can help explain the claims process. We can also review your claim. If you have a case, we can further investigate your accident and negotiate with insurance companies to seek compensation for your losses.

Weather-Related Workplace Deaths

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 55 fatal work injuries occurred with weather conditions as the primary or secondary cause in 2020. This is a 29.5% decline from the previous year, which recorded 78 deaths. Twenty-two of these deaths (41.5%) were from “ice, sleet, or snow.” Meanwhile, 19 deaths (35.8%) were due to “high winds, gusts, and turbulence.”

Call Our Work Accident Lawyers To Schedule A Free Initial Consultation

The weather might have contributed to your accident and injury. You may have grounds for pursuing compensation if negligence was involved. Sustaining injuries and losses from something that could have been prevented can potentially be mentally, physically, and financially taxing. That’s especially true since injuries may lead to significant financial burdens, including medical expenses and lost income.

Allow Arash Law to advocate for you. We can help you understand your rights and, if you’re eligible, assist you in pursuing workers’ compensation. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients don’t have to pay any attorney’s fees unless they’re able to collect compensation. Please note that certain case-related costs may still apply outside of this agreement. Our fee structure aims to help injured victims access legal representation without having to pay up front. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free and no-obligation case assessment during your first meeting with one of our lawyers.