Even when the weather turns cold and the snow begins to fall, construction projects continue on. To improve efficiency and safety this winter, check out this construction safety checklist.
Winter time is here. And, the coldest months of the year are just around the corner. Depending on where you reside, it can bring you a mixture of snow, ice, sleet, rain, and freezing temperatures.
For construction workers who spend their day outdoors, now is the time to be ready.
Your Construction Safety Checklist
There are many issues that can arise from winter construction projects.
Believe it or not, without taking a few precautionary steps, these harsh, wintry weather conditions could cause some terrible things to happen to your:
- Crew
- Construction equipment
- Machinery
- Construction site
Don’t leave your business to chance. Improve your construction safety this winter.
Doing so can ensure your job will be done on time – and safely.
This construction safety checklist shows 10 ways to make it happen.
1. Require the Appropriate Clothing
The first step in improving construction safety on your site starts with your employees. Your crew should show up on site wearing appropriate clothing each day.
Make it a requirement and not a suggestion. And, follow through.
If someone shows up without the proper gear, he or she cannot work.
A few examples of winter gear would be
- Non-slip boots
- Heavy coat
- Hat
- Gloves
Dressing in layers allows for the clothes to be removed as the day warms up. The key is to stay warm and dry throughout the day to prevent any illness.
Allowing workers to partake in their regular work activities while not prepared is a risk to themselves, to their co-workers, and to the jobsite itself.
2. Utilize a Construction Tent to Cover Your Machinery
We shouldn’t have to tell you that your machinery and equipment are incredibly expensive.
Not taking the necessary steps to ensure they are taken care of can cost your company extra money in repair – and replacement. Winter weather has a habit of causing a lot of damage to equipment.
Snow and ice buildup, along with salt can lead to rust and improperly operative equipment.
Why take that risk when there is a simple solution. Make use of a construction tent.
These tents are large enough to easily hold your biggest piece of machinery.
What’s more is the many benefits of industrial tents.
- Tools protected from elements
- Equipment remains indoors and out of weather
- Machinery is protected from the weather
- All tools are secured while the job site is empty, cutting down on theft
3. Educate Your Employees
It may seem as though it should be common knowledge, but not everyone knows and understands the symptoms of dangerous winter health conditions, such as frostbite and hypothermia.
It is important that you educate your crew – and supervisors – with the tools they need to spot these symptoms with those around them and with themselves.
They also should know the steps to take to prevent it – and steps to take when treatment becomes necessary.
Education is a vital tool in ensuring the health and safety of those on your sites.
4. Work Sites Should Be Reviewed Daily
Lots of things can happen to work sites overnight. And, this is especially true during the winter time when the temperatures dip to their lowest during the night hours.
To improve construction safety, you want to look out for are
- Snow
- Ice
- Downed wires
- Fallen trees, etc.
Before your crew can get started for the day, be sure to make a habit of reviewing work sites every day.
5. Provide a Warm Space for Your Crew to Take a Break.
Your crew is going to need a place to take a warm break. Constant exposure to the winter elements can increase the risk for health concerns.
Therefore, you should always provide your crew with a space to warm up throughout the day.
Perhaps one of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by using a construction tent.
These durable structures can give you the open space and freedom to use it as you wish – and give you a break area for the crew.
The use of heaters – or even a climate control system – can make the space warm and cozy for those needing a break.
6. Keep an Eye on the Weather
If you reside in a region with rough wintry weather, then you know just how quickly that weather can change.
When you have crew members all over working outdoors on your construction sites, you need to make sure that they are safe.
One way to do that is to make sure you keep an eye on the weather. If you see inclement weather is approaching, work to get your sites clear and your crew out of harm’s way as soon as possible.
7. Cover Your Work Site with a Tent
Deadlines are important in the construction industry. But, risking the safety of your crew in order to complete a job on time is not a wise decision.
Instead, consider covering your work site with an industrial tent. This ensures your project continues to run smoothly, even during the winter weather.
These tents come in an incredible range of sizes, so surely you can find one to fit your needs.
8. Limit Exposure to the Harshest Weather
The harshest weather usually comes overnight and early morning. While you may wish to start your crew early in the day, it is advisable to limit their exposure to the worst weather.
Set your working hours to fall during the warmest – and safest – parts of the day.
9. Encourage Water Drinking, Not Coffee
Did you know that drinking coffee while working outdoors may give you a false sense of feeling warm?
See, although drinking hot coffee may have you feeling warm inside, it could instead be raising your heart rate.
Encourage your workers to drink plenty of water – and forego the coffee.
10. Remove Ice and Snow from the Construction Site
To make the most of the warmest working hours, snow and ice should be removed prior to the crew arriving on site.
Make a point to schedule a group to come in and clear the site prior to the arrival of your employees. Remove snow and ice so that work can begin when it is supposed to – without unnecessary delay.
Conclusion
Construction safety is important – especially during the winter months.
Take steps to ensure your crew is safe and healthy all winter long. And, don’t forget to grab your construction tent.