Winter has always been the toughest season for construction, bringing the threat of storms, cold temperatures and safety issues.
Working in cold weather and without the required protection equipment can lead to many health problems for the workers such as shock, uncontrolled shivering, erratic behavior, frostbite and hypothermia.
So what can we do to prepare ourselves for the winter and make sure that our workers are protected from the cold and we stay on schedule?
Check below for some tips and recommendations that can be useful:
Beware of the weather forecast and make sure work is scheduled during the warmest part of the day with maximum sun exposure
Provide and encourage workers to wear appropriate protective and warm clothing
Provide beverages to replenish the body - warm drinks, sugar with water, or sports drinks
Schedule frequent short breaks in warm areas, allowing workers to warm up and/or dry their clothes
Identify and educate workers on the signs and symptoms of cold-related illness and injuries
Ensure your employees work in pairs and monitor each other's physical condition
The best to way to protect your schedule is to protect your workers. However, proper planning can also help avoid schedule delays:
Look into average winter rain and snowfall amounts in your project location and take that into account when scheduling work
Take necessary precautions to secure and protect materials and tools from frost, water and ice damage
Take into account additional expenses for materials - temporary tents and structures, furnaces, heater rentals, etc
Being prepared is vital for managing schedules and minimizing down time during the winter. The above are just few simple suggestions that we can offer to help you protect your workers and job sites.
Give us a call or text us at 718-762-6333 if you’d like to discuss more specific solutions for your construction site and your current needs. We’d be happy to help!
