Spring is a frustrating time of year for many workers in Ohio because of the ever-changing weather conditions. Tornadoes, for example, form most often between March and August, with the majority occurring by June and the beginning of summer. These, combined with heavy downpours, high winds and hail make it dangerous for workers to be working in traffic, outside on buildings or in other positions.
Weather readiness is an important topic for people in Ohio’s workplaces because the weather can quickly turn and put lives at risk. If your company hasn’t gone over safety precautions for the spring and early summer yet, now is the time to discuss them.
Tornado season has arrived
From March to June, at the very least, it’s important for workers to do their best to identify which days are likely to have severe thunderstorms and to prepare accordingly. Construction worksites as well as other jobsites set up outside should consider having a weather radio on at all times during the spring and summer as this particularly dangerous season occurs.
Pop-up thunderstorms come quickly and may give people little time to get inside. High winds, hail and a downpour can catch workers off-guard without any warning, so your workplace should have a process for getting to safety. Go over topics like when to seek shelter and when you may return to work. For example, if you see lightning, it’s best to go indoors. As most Ohioans already know, “If thunder roars, go indoors.” Stay inside at least for 30 minutes past the last sound of thunder, and do not shelter in a metal or open building.
Ohio has many sirens for more serious weather, such as the two-minute tornado siren blast (it is sometimes longer or shorter in different cities and counties). If you hear a siren blast going up and down, that’s typically a sign of a severe thunderstorm. If the siren blast reaches a high note and does not descend, get to a basement or lower level of a building to shelter. This is a tornado warning.
Following weather safety tips will help keep you safer at work. If anyone is injured due to dangerous weather, then workers’ compensation may be available to cover necessary medical treatment and other financial losses.