Winter Safety Tips on Construction Sites

Safety is imperative at any time of the year on construction sites, but winter can bring your workforce many more hazards. You will need to protect your employees from the extreme weather and all the challenges that come with it this season. Here are some safety tips you should always remember to follow. Winter Health and Safety Guidelines Look Ahead at the Winter Forecast Be prepared by looking at the weather predictions before each day. You don’t want to be working outside in wet, torrential conditions as this could be dangerous to your employees’ health. It could also restrain the construction work you want to complete and cause hazards such as slips, trips and falls. Assess the Work Site Always check the work area for hazards before any work gets started. If snow, frost or ice accumulate during the night, you will need to check if it’s safe to work and remove it by using sand and salt. Other hazards may include downed power lines and trees, which should be safely removed also. Heat Up Equipment and Vehicles Before Use As the temperature drops, electrical wires and hoses can become brittle so it is vital that you let them warm up before you use any machinery. Fluid and oils also need to be warmed up and you should make sure all the required heaters are working competently in the cold weather. Inspect and prepare work vehicles before you use them too, using antifreeze to battle the cold and warm up the engine. Limit Outside Exposure Try to schedule your workdays so your workforce only operates during the hottest times of the days. By limiting the time period, they spend outside, the lesser the risk of individuals contracting cold-related illnesses like hypothermia or other stressful conditions. Layer Up with Winter Clothing As well as your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) you normally wear on site, make sure you wear more layers underneath to keep you warm. Non-slip boots paired with thick, woolly socks, a hard hat paired with a cosy beanie, or thermal leggings and vests underneath your clothes, you can layer up and beat the cold. A Warm Break Area Make sure you provide a warm, sheltered area for your employees to take a break during the day. As construction work is mainly conducted outside, workers will need a place to warm back up and maybe dry off if there has been wet weather. Whether it’s a portable trailer or even a tent, as long as it is warm and protected from the outside elements, it is vital. Learn About the Risks of Cold Winter Weather Education is key when it comes to the cold weather; knowing the signs and symptoms of cold-related illnesses is important to make sure your employees can identify any risk. Hypothermia and frostbite are the main sicknesses to look out for, so make sure you teach your workforce what to look out for and how to treat them if it occurs. Stay Safe on Construction Sites At DJ Evans, we are strong advocates of health and safety in the workplace, including construction sites. We supply a wide range of PPE clothing and are willing to offer advice and guidance when it comes to winter safety tips for your work environment. Contact us today and one of our friendly team members will be happy to help you.

For more information on Winter Safety Tips on Construction Sites talk to D J Evans (Bury) Ltd