While project sites can be dangerous any time of year, cold weather construction is particularly hazardous to workers. The good news is you can protect your contractors and subcontractors by leveraging a few proven winter weather construction safety tips.
Here are five winter weather safety tips for construction workers, along with three benefits of making safety a top priority as temperatures decline.
Benefits of Cold Weather Construction
By applying the following safety tips for winter weather, you can decrease the chances of weather-related workplace accidents. Doing so, in turn, will help you keep your workers safe.
Our winter weather safety tips will also enable you to prevent costly construction delays. Moreover, practicing good cold weather construction safety can insulate your business from the risks associated with a high frequency of worker’s comp claims.
The bottom line is that cold-weather construction safety benefits everyone, including your staff and your business.
Why Winter Weather Safety Is Important
As temperatures begin to drop, new workplace hazards are created. Since your crews haven’t dealt with these hazards in nine months or more, it will take them some time to get acclimated to the cooler temperatures and the risks associated with cold weather construction.
Fortunately, you can help them safely reacclimate themselves by ensuring they have access to the right equipment and by providing refresher courses on severe weather safety. Taking a proactive approach is the best way of keeping everyone safe during the winter and all year round.
Risks and Hazards
The most significant risk associated with cold weather construction is the temperature. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can endanger your team or lead to workplace injury. Therefore, workers should have the opportunity to take frequent breaks in a temperature-controlled environment.
The risk of slip and fall injuries also increases in cooler weather due to the slick surfaces ice, sleet, and snow tend to produce. In addition, the decreased visibility caused by snowfall creates additional hazards for workers.
5 Steps to Keep Your Workers Safe This Winter
If you want to make sure your construction workers stay safe this winter season, we suggest that you:
1. Check Weather Forecasts
Check your local weather forecasts daily. These reports will give you a heads-up when harsh weather is inbound. You can use this information to gather additional cold weather equipment, set up temperature-controlled break rooms, adjust work schedules, and make other important preparations.
2. Use Winter Weather Emergency Kits
All construction teams should be provided with winter weather emergency kits. Fleet vehicles must also be equipped with winter weather supplies, including snow shovels, flares, emergency food and water, blankets, and first aid kits.
3. Require Proper PPE and Clothing
Create a policy regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing requirements during cold weather.
If you have the means to do so, consider issuing your staff company jackets to wear during cold weather to ensure that all team members have access to the clothing they need to stay warm. You should also consider issuing gloves, hats, masks, and other PPE.
4. Conduct Site Inspections
While you’re probably already conducting site inspections, you should up the frequency of these safety inspections during the winter, especially on the day following a severe weather event. During your inspections, check to determine whether any wind or precipitation has damaged safety equipment, railing, or other components of your construction site.
5. Educate Workers on Winter-Related Illnesses and Injury
The last of our safety tips for winter weather involves educating your workers about winter-related illnesses and injuries. You’ll want to provide safety training and guidance for staying safe and ensure they know how to recognize if they’re experiencing a temperature-related ailment.
Questions About Winter Weather Safety? Ask the Experts!
While our list of winter weather construction safety tips will jumpstart your efforts to promote worksite safety this holiday season, don’t hesitate to reach out to Safety by Design for additional assistance.
Our safety company in Houston will help you keep your team safe and ensure that your business is adhering to all necessary safety regulations. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
