Fall Safety Reset: Preparing City Staff for a Busy Fall Season

Guest post by Thomas Marx, LMCIT loss control consultant

September marks a notable shift for cities. With school back in session, morning and afternoon traffic increases, pedestrian activity picks up around schools, and neighborhoods become busier.

For public works teams, this period often coincides with roadway maintenance and repairs ahead of the winter season. With busier roads and active work zones, heightened awareness and clear safety expectations are essential.

Ensure work zones are ready for heavier traffic

As crews begin fall repair projects, visibility and caution become critical. Work zones near high‑traffic areas or school routes require enhanced signage, well-placed cones, and proper lighting, especially during early morning hours when traffic and school activity overlap.

When possible, adjusting work schedules to avoid peak congestion can further reduce risk. Supervisors may also find September is an ideal time to reinforce roadway safety practices and remind staff to stay attentive amid shifting traffic patterns.

Brush up on injury reporting habits

Fall is also a good time to reinforce injury reporting practices. Reminding employees to complete a First Report of Injury (FROI) promptly and accurately helps ensure timely care, proper documentation, and appropriate follow-up. A timely, complete FROI provides supervisors and safety teams with essential information they need to respond to an injury and identify longer‑term injury trends.

Clear communication during this busy month encourages employees to report incidents, including minor injuries and near misses, allowing potential hazards to be addressed before serious incidents occur.

Prepare for changing weather conditions

September’s changing weather can also increase slip, trip, and fall risks. Morning dew, cooler temperatures, uneven sidewalks, and early maintenance activities can create hazards for both staff and the public. Cities can help reduce these risks by encouraging employees to maintain situational awareness, wear appropriate footwear, identify uneven surfaces, and follow safe practices when using ladders and other equipment.

Regular housekeeping around work zones, including keeping tools organized, walkways clear, and properly stored materials, also contributes to a safer environment. Small preventative steps now can significantly reduce incidents as conditions continue to change throughout the fall.

With school in session, maintenance underway, and weather beginning to shift, September is a natural opportunity for cities to regroup, review safety expectations, and reinforce practices that protect staff and residents. Proactive attention today helps ensure crews are prepared not only for the demands of fall but also for the snow and ice season ahead.