Published on March 18, 2026

Rainy Days Are Safety Days: Why Every Highway Superintendent Should Keep a Training Binder Handy

As every highway superintendent knows, no two days in the motorpool are alike. Some days the crews are out patching potholes or clearing culverts; other days Mother Nature keeps them in the garage watching the rain come down.

It’s those slow, wet days, or snow days, equipment breakdowns, or even mid-winter lulls – that offer a golden opportunity many towns overlook: safety training.

Too often, safety training is squeezed in once or twice a year during formal sessions. But the reality is that safe work habits require constant reinforcement. Muscle memory matters. Crew members (especially new ones) benefit from hearing key messages multiple times and in different ways.

That’s where a simple idea can make a big difference: keep a dedicated “Safety Training” binder (or shelf, or file folder) in the garage. Here’s why and how.

Why Build a Safety Binder?

• Rainy days become productive days. When the crew can’t be out working, they can be reviewing and discussing key safety topics.
• Training gets repeated, and repetition saves lives. A single annual training isn’t enough. Short refreshers build habits and keep safety top of mind.
• You’ll cover more topics over time. Instead of trying to cram 20 subjects into an annual meeting, you can spread out the topics across the year.
• It builds a safety culture. Having a visible binder signals that safety is a continuous, shared responsibility, not a checkbox on a to-do list.

What to Include in the Binder

Start simple. You don’t need a 500-page manual on Day One. A good binder might include:

• Tailgate talk handouts on specific hazards (working near traffic, chainsaw safety, heat stress, etc.)
• Quick-reference guides (lockout/tagout procedures, proper lifting techniques)
• Toolbox meeting outlines that supervisors can use to lead 10-15 minute discussions
• Photos of past incidents (local or from industry sources) that spark discussion: “How could this have been prevented?”
• PPE guidelines and reminders
• Emergency procedures refresher sheets
• Seasonal hazards lists (snowplow safety in winter, mosquito/tick precautions in summer)
• Sign-in sheets to document participation (helpful for liability and compliance)

How to Use It

1. Pick a few go-to topics each month. Rotate through key subjects.
2. Use slow days intentionally. If it’s raining or equipment is being repaired, pull out the binder and run a short session.
3. Encourage crew participation. Ask for input: “What near-misses have we had this month? What could have gone wrong?”
4. Keep it fresh. Add new materials regularly. Use state DOT and insurance company resources—many are free.

Final Thought

A binder won’t guarantee perfect safety. But a culture of regular conversation about safety will make your garage and job sites much safer over time.

And there’s no better time to start than the next rainy day.

Tagged: Safety Training  Job Safety Analysis  Safety  Employees  Leadership 

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