7 Common Hazards During Windy and Rainy Weather and How to Stay Safe

Strong winds and heavy rain are among the adverse meteorological events that could unexpectedly cause problems in daily living. Sometimes these disorders cause legal conflicts, but they also raise the danger of accidents at home, at business, and on the road. Apart from the necessary direction to reduce risks and guarantee safety, Silveroak Solicitors has identified seven main hazards most likely to arise from windy and wet conditions.

1. Falling Objects

Items like outdoor furniture, signage, or building materials that are improperly fastened run the danger of being blown away or falling in strong winds, so endangering safety and maybe resulting in property damage.

Before heavy storms arrive, property owners have to check their grounds for risks and secure unsecured objects. Ignorance of this could lead to legal responsibility should someone be hurt. Always keep conscious of your surroundings in public places under strong winds.

2. Roadway Obstructions

Roads or pavements might be blocked by trash, collapsed trees, or flooded regions, therefore endangering pedestrians, cyclists and automobiles.

Local government and companies have to quickly remove any obstacles and keep drainage systems intact to stop flooding. Drivers should slow down, examine the state of the weather and use additional care negotiating windy or rainy areas.

3. Slippery Surfaces

For pedestrians, muddy routes, damp flooring and rain-soaked pavements raise their risk of slips and falls.

Property owners should check that routes are hazard-free and, where at all possible use non-slip materials. To reduce their risk, walkers should wear strong, non-slip shoes and exercise particular caution in uneven or poorly lit areas.

4. Vehicle Accidents

Rain and wind can obscure vision, make roadways slick, and create unanticipated hazards such flying debris that might cause collisions.

Drivers should slow down, keep a reasonable distance from other cars, and utilise headlights in low visibility. Should you be in an accident during inclement weather, you should contact a solicitor to ascertain who is at fault and discuss your alternatives for compensation.

5. Pedestrian Risks

The risk pedestrians run is increased by a number of conditions, including accidents caused by falling debris, paths that are congested, and decreased visibility caused by wind and rain.

Steer clear of areas including overhanging buildings or trees that can shed branches in strong gusts. Walkways owned by property owners have to be safe and free for public usage. Pedestrians should also outfit sensibly, covering themselves from the weather with umbrellas or raincoats.

6. Workplace Injuries

When workers are outside or in open areas, they are more likely to be hurt by wet surfaces, falling items, and other hazards that come with bad weather.

By providing their employees with the appropriate safety gear, training, and option to postpone outside work when the conditions become too hazardous, companies have to first prioritise the safety of their employees. Should the businesses overlook these hazards, those injured at work could be held liable.

7. Property Damage and Liability

It’s essential for employers to prioritise the well-being of their team by providing appropriate safety gear, comprehensive training, and the choice to postpone outdoor tasks when conditions turn hazardous. Individuals who experience injuries at work might bear some responsibility if their employers fail to recognise these hazards.

In the aftermath of a storm, property owners are responsible for doing routine maintenance, ensuring the secure storage of unsecured items, and conducting property inspections. If this commitment is disregarded, it could result in legal action being taken in the event that damage or injuries occur.

Case Study

Using a marked pedestrian crossing, Sarah, a 32-year-old professional, was crossing a busy city centre road on a wet morning. A driver who was looking at their cell phone while the light was green for walkers didn’t stop and hit Sarah. She needed hospitalisation and weeks of recovery from a shattered leg, bruising, and a concussion.

Two months of absence from work due to Sarah’s ailments left her financially strapped. She needed physiotherapy and counselling to treat her worry about crossing roads as well as her physical discomfort.

Sarah used SilverOak Solicitors to file a personal injury claim against the driver. Witness accounts and CCTV images were used to show that the driver was careless. The claim included costs like hospital bills, lost wages, emotional pain, and more.

Out of court, the matter was resolved with Sarah receiving £54,000 to compensate her losses and rehabilitation expenses.

How SilverOak Solicitors Can Help

Should risky conditions result in an injury, our up-to- date team at SilverOak Solicitors is here to help you. In bad weather, one can experience We will assess your circumstances, guide you thru the legal system, and ensure you receive the salary you are owed.

Either phone our personal injury specialist 020 8578 7778 or complete our online contact form to get started. Remain safe; rely on us to manage the rest.