Be Safe in the Rain

by J. Dabney and L. Williams

Slips, trips, and falls are some of our top hazards here at SLAC.  During our current wet weather, we need to be especially careful.

While walking between buildings or out to your vehicle, be aware of the slip hazards.  Uneven ground surfaces exist in abundance on a diverse and aging work site such as SLAC, and the rain makes it that much more hazardous. Also, mud is being tracked from dirt parking areas or paths into work areas, so we should be especially careful when coming in from the outdoors.  While we're trying to stay dry, we also need to stay safe.

Be sure and wear shoes with good soles and low heels; even the fashion conscious should keep a pair of functional shoes to quickly change into for errands across site.  (It's a good idea to keep them around as well for emergency response -- do we really want to walk home after the big earthquake in 3" heels?)

Some safety suggestions to avoid falls are:

• Use designated paths, not shortcuts
• Avoid hazards like slippery grass and embankments
• Use the handrails on stairs - they're there to keep you safe!
• Stay aware of what you are doing; don't think about what you will do
• Dress for the adventure; use proper clothing and personal protective equipment

We're the best people to watch out for our own safety, so let's stay safe in the rain!

03/21/06