7 Winter Construction Safety Tips for Your Construction Site
Construction doesn’t stop when winter weather strikes, so it’s important to know what steps to take to keep your workers warm and safe.
Inspect & Clear Jobsites
Inspect your construction sites for downed power lines and trees. Make sure icy areas that can’t be cleared are clearly marked and instruct workers to take shorter steps to avoid slips.
Watch the Weather
Give your workers adequate time to secure the construction site and get home safely before severe weather strikes. Keep a careful watch on workers for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
Provide a Heated Break Area
Make sure you have a heated trailer, tent or indoor area for workers to warm up. If using portable heaters in break areas, make sure to properly vent the area and use CO sensors.
Provide Proper PPE
Goggles, safety glasses, and facemasks can be treated with anti-fog spray. Make sure personal fall arrest systems are adjusted to properly fit over bulkier clothing.
Warm up Equipment & Tools
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on properly warming up heavy equipment. Electrical wires and hoses can become brittle in cold temperatures.
Layer on the Clothing
Layer clothing with some moisture-wicking thermals on your inner layer and have a waterproof outer layer to prevent moisture from soaking into your clothing.
Put Emergency Kits in Work Vehicles
Your kits should include a shovel, ice scraper and brush, sleeping bag, water, non-perishable snacks like protein bars, tow straps, emergency flares, and a backup battery for your cell phone.
