Safety Tips For Working Construction In Winter Weather
Fall is here, which means winter is just around the corner. For many, it’s the season to relax and watch the leaves fall, but for construction workers, the cold weather poses a whole set of new problems.
Construction is already one of the most dangerous industries to work in. While construction scheduling software helps in remarkable ways, onsite workers will face more safety risks during the winter because of factors like slippery ice and dangerously low temperatures. So, during these times, both management and crew should be diligent in prioritizing safety.
And hotter states shouldn’t be complacent just because they have higher temperatures. Construction workers from all over the country are at risk for winter-related injuries. Although southern states like Tennessee are known to be hot all year long, their temperatures can actually drop below freezing. And while snow does not naturally occur there, precipitation does and will cause freezing warning signs to be issued.
Safety Hazards of Working Construction in Winter
a. Higher risk of slipping, tripping, and falling
Because the industry’s nature requires frequent climbing of scaffolding and working at high heights, falling is the biggest cause of fatalities among construction workers.
When temperatures drop, the risk of falling increases significantly. This due to snow and ice, and even rain, making surfaces extra slippery.
b. Cold stress
From 1991 to 2011, an average of 1,301 deaths a year were connected to exposure to natural cold, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And because construction workers typically work outdoors, they are exposed and more vulnerable to the effects of very low temperatures.
In essence, cold stress happens when the body’s skin and core temperature are drastically driven down. This can lead to other serious issues that may even be fatal, such as hypothermia, trench foot, and frostbite.
c. Vehicular accidents
According to the US Department of Transportation (DOT), about 24% of weather-related car crashes occur on slushy, icy, or snowy roads and around 1,300 people are killed in those conditions.
Construction vehicle operators are at risk for these kinds of accidents. Not only are they operating heavy machinery, but it’s not easy to control them on icy, slippery roads. Plus, sleet and rain could impair their vision, making them vulnerable to accidental crashes.
d. Injuries from physical stress and strain
The nature of the industry already calls for very physically intense jobs such as lifting heavy objects. But during the winter, workers have to add show shoveling to their list of tasks. While it may seem simple and easy, this activity could cause a variety of issues such as back injuries, exhaustion, dehydration, and even heart attacks.
e. Hidden hazards
Workers need to be extra careful when going around the wite and treading on snow. The copious amounts of snow might be concealing safety hazards like sharp objects, debris, and even live wires.
Tips for Working Construction
A. For Workers:
1. Wear warm clothes in multiple layers
Coveralls are an excellent option for keeping warm, especially ones made of wool. However, they are usually not enough. To ensure you stay warm while working, it’s wise to put on two to three clothing layers.
● The first layer must be made of moisture-wicking material to draw sweat away from the body.
● The second layer should be breathable to help insulate the body.
● The last layer should be windproof or waterproof.
It’s also good to have several layers of socks as feet get cold easily. The inner layer should be made of thin wool, silk, or nylon and have a larger sock as the outer layer. To keep them dry from sweat or water, using socks made of polypropylene is helpful.
The concern, however, is that there will be difficulty moving because of all the layers. So, it’s essential that the articles of clothing they choose allow flexibility and conductive to the range of physical movement needed in construction.
It’s also good to always have an extra set of clothes ready when working in wet conditions.
2. Wear protective gear
Construction workers must also be equipped with protective gear suited for cold weather.
● Protective gloves — Although the common practice is to remove gloves to work easier, construction workers should learn to keep them on. It not only protects them from the general dangers but especially from frostbite.
● Pocket or hand warmers — It can be challenging to work with gloves, so the alternative is to have pocket or hand warmers. Managers can provide them or workers can have one of their own.
● Insulated boots — Boots that have a waterproof leather or protective lining are good options. Other winter boots to considered are ones that are leather-topped, felt-lined, and rubber bottomed. Removable insoles are also useful because work boots tend to be uncomfortable. Having a variety of insoles can give comfort and warmth.
● Protective eyewear — Eyes are very sensitive and need extra protection from the cold, snow, and winds. It’s advisable to wear protective glasses that are separated from the nose and mouth to avoid fogginess from moisture.
● Hard hats with liners — Hard hats must be worn at all times while onsite. For cold weather, it helps to have it lined to trap heat.
3. Remove ice and snow before working
Before getting started on any construction work, make sure that the site is safe and free from any potential hazards like snow and ice that are slippery and can cause a lot of accidents. Also, remove any icicles formed from above to minimize head injuries. It also helps to put sand or salt on patches to melt them and improve traction.
4. Warm up tools, machines, and equipment
Wires and hoses can become brittle in extremely low temperatures. So, properly warm heavy equipment before using them to avoid damaging it and potential accidents. Additionally, ensure that cab heaters are working well, snow is cleared from the windshield, and equipment fluids are rated for the temperature.
5. Look out for health issues related to the cold
Construction is an industry centered on collaboration. That’s why everyone must recognize the signs and symptoms of conditions related to cold weather. If they understand the situation, they will be able to help, particularly in times of emergency.
6. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential, especially during the winter time. Workers must regularly drink water or warm beverages but avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Alcohol increases heat loss and caffeine, a diuretic, causes water loss that can lead to dehydration. Moreover, dehydration can lead to hypothermia, which, in turn, could be fatal. Warm sugar water helps people with hypothermia.
7. Take breaks in warm areas
Workers should not overwork themselves and limit their exposure to the cold. Besides resting, they should take this time to check for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
B. For Managers:
While workers have their own responsibilities for safety, as leaders, managers also have their jobs to implement rules and regulations during winter times. Project management software can aid them in ensuring the worksite is safe and organized.
1. Require workers to wear proper attire
Some workers may be stubborn and refuse to wear safety equipment. Managers have the authority to implement the requirement of protective gear. Do this not because you can, but because you care about their well-being.
2. Inspect worksites and vehicles
Inspections should be done every day as new hazards may have formed overnight. Go around and be very thorough in checking for potential safety risks. Then instruct, or even assist, the crew in clearing them out.
3. Put emergency kits in vehicles
Provide all the construction vehicles with winter weather emergency safety kits. It must include:
● An ice scraper;
● A shovel;
● A brush;
● Tow straps;
● Emergency flares;
● Portable power supply for cellphones;
● Non-perishable food; and
● Sand or salt to help with traction.
Encourage your crew to have a kit similar to this for personal use.
4. Limit worker’s exposure
As the manager, it’s your duty to look out for your crew. Limit their exposure to the cold by giving them less work time than regular days and additional indoor breaks. Subcontractor scheduling software can help contractors create a builder schedule to regulate a worker’s work time.
5. Educate workers on the dangers of cold weather
As previously mentioned, everyone should be educated on the signs and symptoms of cold-related health conditions. One of the best ways to do this is to hold seminars and trainings. When people are aware of those kinds of situations, they can immediately act in times of emergency.
6. Closely monitor weather reports
Construction workers will be focused on doing their jobs on the field, so it is the project manager’s job to monitor the weather. Then, along with the project information from project management tools, they will be able to make any adjustments to the plans and prepare for the cold.
7. Have a warm area for breaks
Construction managers should also provide a designated area for workers to take their breaks. In addition to that, the area should also be equipped with heaters so that workers can get warmed up while checking for signs of hypothermia or frostbite.
