Cold Weather Safety Tips for Construction Workers

At Forge, we understand that construction doesn’t come to a halt when winter weather hits, so it’s important to know the steps to take to keep workers warm and safe. According to the most recent data published by the Bureau of Labor Services, in recent years upward of 20,460 workplace injuries were caused by snow, sleet, or ice. So, before the next major winter storm starts to impact your area with snow and ice accumulation, be prepared and review these winter weather safety tips for keeping your workers safe.

Inspect and Clear Jobsites of Snow and Ice

When winter weather strikes, Supervisors should:

• Inspect construction sites for downed power lines and trees before allowing workers to begin work.
• Clear all snow and ice from walking and working surfaces, including walkways, roofs, scaffolding, and ladders.
• Stress the importance of fall safety protection to workers when icy conditions exist.
• Put down salt or sand to melt icy patches and improve traction for workers.
• Make sure icy areas that can’t be cleared are clearly marked and instruct workers to slow down and take shorter steps, especially when carrying materials and tools to avoid slips.
• Knock off any icicles that have formed or cordon off areas to prevent workers from accidentally breaking them loose and creating falling object hazards.

Be Aware of Weather Forecasts

The last thing any company would want is to have a construction site full of workers stranded because a blizzard blew in without warning. During the winter, it is key to keep an eye on the forecasts in order to give workers adequate time to secure the construction site and get home safely before any severe weather strikes.

Communication is Key

During the winter months, it is important to have a reliable way to communicate with workers, especially those in remote areas, during storms and extreme weather to ensure all are accounted for in case of evacuation or schedule changes.

Consider enacting a buddy system, assigning at least two workers together in cold, remote locations and maximize jobsite safety by preparing for a flexible schedule. Weather changes quickly, so can your project in response.

Know the Signs of Winter-Related Injuries and Illness and Discourage Workers from Drinking Too Much Caffeine

As temperatures continue to plummet, keep a careful watch on workers for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Make sure workers are wearing appropriate clothing for the weather and encourage them to take frequent breaks to warm up from the cold.

It is also super important to check workers for signs of fatigue, frostbite, or hypothermia.

Cold stress occurs when the body is unable to warm itself and can lead to hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature falls below 95°F. Common symptoms include shivering, shallow breathing, confusion, loss of coordination, drowsiness, slurred speech, and slow, weak pulse.

If someone is showing symptoms of hypothermia, it is imperative to get their core temperature back up. Remove all wet clothing and move the person to a dry, warm area. Use blankets, additional clothing, and heating pads to increase their temperature.

If conscious, they should be given warm liquids to drink. CPR should be given immediately to an unconscious hypothermic person, or one who has no pulse or isn’t breathing, and 911 should be called for emergency medical service.

Frostbite occurs when body tissue freezes and is most common in the extremities, since these areas tend to have less blood flow when exposed to cold temperatures. Color changes in the affected tissue and loss of normal sensation are typical signs of frostbite.

Rewarm frostbitten areas with warm water. Avoid rubbing the areas to warm it up and do not use heating pads to try and warm the affected areas. Call 911 and get medical treatment immediately if affected by frostbite.

Finally, remind workers to limit consumption of caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants as this increases their heart rate, causing them to feel warmer than they actually are.

Provide a Heated Break Area

Construction workers tend to expend more energy when working in cold weather in order to keep their bodies warm. It is key to ensure the company has a heated trailer, tent, or indoor area for workers to warm up from the cold. Limit exposure to the elements by encouraging workers to take frequent breaks in order to rest and warm up, drink warm liquids, and change out of wet clothing.

If using portable heaters in break areas, make sure to properly vent the area and use CO sensors to monitor for carbon monoxide exposure.

Require Workers to Wear the Proper Clothing/Gear and Provide Proper PPE

During the winter months, it is important to take extra steps in ensuring workers are wearing the proper clothing and gear as well as all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) when winter weather conditions are present.

• Hard hats should be worn at all times to protect against falling objects like icicles and slips and falls on ice. In addition, using liners in hard hats will help keep workers warm and prevent heat from escaping.
• Gloves should be worn that give workers enough manual dexterity to work with tools and materials. It is key to remind workers to keep their gloves on at all times, especially when climbing ladders, scaffolding, or getting onto construction equipment. Frostbite can occur immediately if workers touch extremely cold metal with bare hands.
• Waterproof boots with non-slip soles and extra socks should be worn to protect against the cold, especially if wearing steel-toed boots since the metal acts as a cold sink.
• Goggles, safety glasses, and facemasks can be treated with anti-fog spray to prevent vision from being obstructed.
• Personal fall arrest systems should be adjusted to properly fit over bulkier clothing. Make sure these are inspected before each use to ensure straps aren’t frozen with ice.

Warm up Equipment & Tools

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on properly warming up heavy equipment before use.

• Electrical wires and hoses can become brittle in cold temperatures, so it is important to allow those to heat up properly to avoid damaging the equipment.
• Ensure fluids, such as engine and hydraulic oils, in the equipment is rated for the temperatures in your area and replace them if needed.
• Make sure heaters in cabs are working properly and clear off any ice or snow from windshields and steps. Try and avoid using any equipment that isn’t equipped with an enclosed cab to keep workers warm.
• Take extra precautions when working with air compressors and pneumatic tools. Drain fluid from air compressor tanks after each use to prevent the moisture that has accumulated from freezing and damaging the tank. Put antifreeze tool oil in the pneumatic tools and air hoses to protect against the cold. Fire empty nail guns at 40 PSI in freezing temperatures to warm them up before use.

Layer on the Clothing

Keeping warm is one of the most important things when working in cold weather. The key is finding a balance of wearing enough layers to stay warm while still being able to maintain a good range of mobility to perform the required work.

• Layer clothing with some moisture-wicking thermals on the inner layer and have a waterproof outer layer to prevent moisture from soaking into clothing.
• If clothing gets wet, change into dry clothes to avoid losing body heat.
• Limit the amount of skin exposed to cold temperatures with careful attention to the extremities by wearing knit hats and earmuffs for the head, wool socks for the feet, balaclavas for the face, and gloves and mittens for the hands.

For more tips on keeping warm on the construction site, be sure to check out 10 Tips for Keeping Warm on the Construction Site.

Put Emergency Kits in Work Vehicles

Make sure each of your company’s fleet of work trucks and vehicles is equipped with winter weather emergency kits. Kits should include a:

• Shovel
• Ice scraper and brush
• Sleeping bag
• Water
• Non-perishable snacks like protein bars
• Tow straps
• Emergency flares
• Backup battery for cell phone
• Cat litter, salt, or sand to help with traction in case the worker gets stuck

Encourage workers to create emergency kits for their personal vehicles.

Remind workers to be cautious when driving in snow and ice, giving themselves plenty of time to get to their destination, and leaving plenty of space between themselves and other vehicles to avoid accidents.

Keeping construction workers safe is always top of mind for all of us here at Forge!