How to Safely Complete Construction and Concrete Work in Cold Weather
There are a couple of safety risks associated with concrete or other construction work at any time of year, but they become more dangerous during the winter.
We are now in the middle of November, and before we know it, winter will be here. With a handful of snow showers likely on the horizon, you have to be prepared for the cold weather. Even if the snow doesn’t stick to the ground, your construction crew must be prepared to work outside the elements. Winter construction jobs where employees are trying to avoid falling slick conditions could be dangerous. There are a couple of safety risks associated with concrete or other construction work at any time of year, but they become more dangerous during the winter. Read on to learn how to complete construction and concrete work safely during the winter!
Pay Attention to the Weather
For one thing, keeping track of the weather every day is important. Maryland, especially, is known for its weird weather patterns, so you have got to stay on top of it. Unexpected precipitation might lead to safety problems like accidents, injuries, voids, and sinkholes, depending on how bad the rain, snow, wind, sleet, and ice get. Frostbite could set in quickly, so it becomes important to take on this situation as carefully as you can with plenty of caution.
Make Sure Your Employees Are Bundled and Layered
Along the same lines, make sure all concrete workers have the required PPE. This goes beyond equipping hard hats, reflective vests, and boots. Different clothing layers help reduce your overall chances of catching hypothermia and frostbite from affecting your construction team. Although it could be overlooked during training sessions, make sure your team can keep their hands, mouths, faces, and necks covered and protected in the cold. Likewise, fog-proof glasses and goggles must be worn, considering how all construction team workers will have to defend themselves from the wind while making sure visibility is essential, especially since darkness comes early in the winter.
Make Sure Vehicles and Machinery are Protected and Prepared
You’ll want to inspect each work vehicle and machine that your work team uses. Engine oils and hydraulic fluids must be winterized so they don’t freeze over. Antifreeze oil might also prevent moisture infiltration from causing hoses to stop working because of cold weather.
Get Your Worksite Prepared
Keeping your worksite prepared for your team to come out and work is a necessity. First, debris and stray tools could cause problems even on a normal workday. Freezing rain and snow could cause tripping, sipping, or falling. Stepstools, ladders, and scaffolds could call for many precautions as they are, but with winter coming, make sure you double down on these measurements to minimize all of the potential safety risks.
Revitalize Your Business with G&M Services
G&M Services is proud of our employees and the dedication they have for safety in the workplace. We reward our employees for displaying positive safety practices. We incorporate weekly and monthly discussions and meetings to ensure that all involved know how to handle equipment and potentially risky situations during a project. We offer services in the way of concrete core-drilling and sawing, concrete scanning, Air Barriers, Firestop, and BIM Project Management and Coordination. To get started with us, call today at 410-787-8828 or visit our contact page. Follow the official company page today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
