Workforce Management

Safety Tips for Autumn

Ella Baker
Safety Tips for Autumn
Reading time 3 Mins
Published on Aug 31
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Keeping your employees healthy as the leaves begin to fall

As long summer days give way to cooler autumn nights, it’s time to start planning to make sure that your employees are safe this fall. The changing weather brings its own unique risks and precautions. Here are a few safety tips to keep your employees safe this autumn.

Shield your employees from the flu

Believe it or not, the changing leaves will soon bring with them the start of the flu season. Help keep your employees healthy this fall by encouraging them to get a flu shot and take measures to help avoid getting or spreading it to others. 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.)

Leaves can be a pain in the back

Countless poems and travel brochures celebrate the beauty of the changing leaves of fall, but the harsh reality is that someone has to rake all those leaves. When your outdoor maintenance staff or lawn care workers head out to start gathering all those leaves, make sure that they are aware of the dangers of back injuries and steps to avoid strain.

Make sure that employees stretch prior to beginning collecting leaves. Raking all those leaves is a workout and your employees should prepare their bodies for it. Remind employees to avoid bending or stooping as much as possible, making sure that they’re pulling on the rake from their arms and legs. Finally, encourage employees to take breaks at least every 30 minutes to reduce strain on the back.

If your employees use a leaf blower rather than rakes, make sure that they are properly clothed, covering any exposed skin to prevent injury from potential flying debris. Additionally, provide employees with appropriate eye wear and encourage them to wear steel-toed or other work appropriate shoes when operating the leaf blower.

Fall weather considerations

For fleet drivers or employees that operate corporate vehicles, educating them about fall weather conditions that impact road safety is of utmost importance. Rain can pool on roadways, creating slick road conditions and contributing to hydroplaning accidents. Falling leaves can create their own road hazards – littering the roadway, making it slippery, and obscuring traffic lines, potholes, and other traffic markings. As temperatures dip al night, frost can create icy spots on roadways, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas. Fog caused by the varying temperatures can severely limit visibility when driving, leading to very dangerous driving conditions. Encourage your employees to slow down, especially in areas with rain, frost, or leaves. Make sure that employees understand the importance of paying attention to weather reports, their surroundings, and road conditions.

Safety and Sheakley

Keeping your workforce safe is priority one for your company. Sheakley can help you develop better policies and provide assistance with training programs to help you achieve your safety goals. Register today for safety trainings offered by your partners at Sheakley to help keep your staff aware of the latest standards and protocols. Our experts are here to keep your employees and your business safe. Sheakley’s Workforce Management Services experts provide complete safety resources for your company.

Get your free safety consultation today with an expert from Sheakley. Stay up-to-date on all things Sheakley by subscribing to our blog and following us on social media. Join in the discussion by commenting below.


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