While some enjoy working in the warmth of an office or an automobile during the coldest months of the year, others are working outdoors. Think about it — construction crews don’t stop when winter weather hits! That means they must be prepared for it when it arrives. These construction safety tips help ensure that all crews working outdoors stay safe during the winter months.
Winter weather can bring some dangerous conditions for outdoor workers and being prepared is a must. If you work in an outside office, make sure to follow these construction safety tips to avoid any unwanted illness, injury, or disaster once the cold sets in.
Dress appropriately
The first construction safety tip to consider is proper warm clothing. Dressing appropriately for the weather is a construction crew’s first line of defense against the frosty winter. The proper dress should be mandatory for all crew members while on the job site. Here is what the appropriate outdoor dress consists of:
- Dress in several layers. The top layer should be wind and/or rain resistant and have high visibility, such as bright colors or reflective lines.
- Consider wearing long johns, insulated coveralls, fleece, quilted fabrics, etc. to help keep the warmth in your body.
- Cover your head and neck. If you have to wear a hard hat while on the job site, consider using a fleece liner that will cover both your head and neck underneath the hard hat.
- Boots are important to keep your feet warm. Wearing more than one pair of socks works well, too. Avoid steel toe boots, if possible, as the steel will catch a chill.
- Wear the right gloves for your job and keep your hands warm at all times.
- If possible, keep your face and eyes covered, and avoid breathing in the cold air.
These are just a few ideas of how your dress can keep you warm and efficient while on the job.
Have a place of refuge
Construction workers must spend most, if not all, of their day outdoors to complete their job. Minute after minute they encounter rough weather they must come face to face with. For instance, heavy blowing wind, snow, ice, sleet, etc. However, during freezing weather, one of the most imperative construction safety tips is that the crew take breaks to warm up and thaw.
Taking refuge in a building can provide much-needed relief. On job sites, though, buildings are not always available. Using a temporary tent structure can provide the same great sense of relief! These construction tents come in all sizes, so there is definitely one to fit each job site. Be sure to include some side walls to keep the wind out – and some portable heaters to keep the warmth in! These temporary warehouses help to keep your construction workers safe, warm, and free of injuries.
Inspect the work site
An outdoor worksite in itself can be dangerous – and life-threatening for the crew if not maintained and inspected. Possibly one of the most important construction safety tips is to thoroughly inspect the work site. After all, snow and ice can fall overnight, leading your crews straight into dangerous territory when the sun rises. Construction workers many times already find themselves on slippery slopes when trying build or repair a structure – adding snow and ice can lead to an incredibly dangerous situation.
Always, always inspect the worksite before the crew is put at risk.
Know the signs
Two of the most common ailments to occur due to extended or unprotected exposure to winter weather are hypothermia and frostbite. Education can mean the difference between suffering from one of these conditions or avoiding them. It is important to make sure every crew member on your jobsite knows the signs and symptoms of both.
Hypothermia
- Slow, shallow breathing.
- Slurred speech.
- Shivering.
- Lack of coordination; clumsy.
- Confusion.
- Exhaustion.
- Loss of consciousness.
Frostbite
- Tends to affect fingers, hands, ears, nose, toes, and feet first.
- Skin turns yellow or white.
- The skin may burn, sting, or have a “pins and needles” feeling.
- The skin may then become hard or appear wax-like.
- Upon thawing, blisters may form.
It’s important that every worker in your crew understands these construction safety tips, and the symptoms of each ailment.
Extra construction safety tips & tidbits
We have touched base on the most important aspects of construction safety during the winter months. However, there are a few extra tidbits that can help keep any construction crew safe and out of harm’s way during these winter months.
- Stay hydrated. Avoid drinking coffee and instead opt for water. Your blood will thicken in the cold weather and circulation will slow down. If you stay well hydrated, your blood can flow at a faster pace – keeping you warmer!
- Find yourself a good barrier cream/lotion and use this on any exposed skin.
- Keep an eye on the weather at all times – consider leaving the job site if weather becomes too extreme.
- Inspect all tools, machinery, and equipment before use.
Taking precautions with these construction safety tips during wintry weather can ensure a safe and successful work environment.