Working in Rain and Wet Conditions

Talking points

1. Rain makes every walking surface a slip hazard — steel, plywood, concrete, grass, and especially painted or coated surfaces. Slow down and use handrails.
2. Electrical hazards increase in wet conditions. GFCI protection becomes critical — test all GFCIs before use in rain. Water bridges insulation gaps that would otherwise be safe.
3. Wet clothing reduces your body's ability to regulate temperature. Hypothermia can develop even in moderate temperatures (50-60°F) when clothing is saturated and wind is present.
4. Rain reduces visibility for equipment operators and drivers. Increase setback distances, use spotters, and consider suspending operations with heavy equipment in reduced visibility.
5. After rain stops, do not assume conditions return to normal immediately. Soil is saturated, excavation walls are weakened, and surfaces stay slippery until they dry. Re-inspect before resuming.

Ask the crew

If it starts raining today, what tasks should we stop or modify — and do we have the right rain gear on site?

Standards this talk is built on

• Section 5(a)(1)

A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.

Sign-in sheet

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