Winter is a dangerous time of year for anyone whose job requires them to be outdoors, but it can be especially dangerous for those working in construction. If the frigid temperatures weren’t bad enough, these professionals also need to deal with all the other hazards present on a job site. Because of this, it’s crucial that each worker knows how to conduct themselves accordingly as well as what conditions they need to be prepared for. These are a few helpful tips for working in construction during winter to keep you safe and productive this season.
Know What To Expect
First and foremost, it’s crucial that you have an understanding of some of the unique circumstances that winter presents for construction workers. Otherwise, it’s difficult to fully prepare for the workday and do what you must to keep yourself and your team safe. Some common winter construction site hazards include low visibility, uncontrollable traffic, and injury from low temperatures. As such, there’s plenty that you’ll need to be on the lookout for.
Make Safety a Priority
Next, it’s crucial that you make safety itself a priority as you go about your work. This involves wearing the proper protective clothing, working slower if necessary to account for visibility issues, and even stopping work altogether if things become too dangerous. In doing so, you’re preserving your well-being and ensuring others on your team follow suit.
Keep the Work Area Clear
Make sure you turn some attention to the condition of the work site as well during this time of year. These areas are often outdoors and uncovered, which makes them the perfect place for snow and ice to collect. This brings about additional safety risks and can prevent you from accessing the resources you need to do your job. As such, always clear away these substances before starting your work.
Properly Prep and Maintain Equipment
Another important tip for working in construction during winter is to prepare your equipment for the weather shift and frequently maintain them. Certain mechanical devices struggle to operate correctly when subjected to cold temperatures and excessive moisture. For this reason, it often takes switching the oil and equipping new tires to keep them functioning as they should. The earlier you can do these things, the better off your team will be in the following months.
