Safety Risks: Dealing with Concrete and Construction Work in Colder Weather

There are numerous safety risks associated with concrete and construction work at any time of the year, but as winter approaches, they become even more dangerous.

Here in the middle of November, it’s starting to get chilly outside. You might even encounter small amounts of snow. Even if that snow doesn’t stick, it’s a sign that colder weather is coming. Late fall and early winter can be especially hazardous on job sites where your employees are trying to avoid slipping and falling in slick conditions. There are numerous safety risks associated with concrete and construction work at any time of the year, but as winter approaches, they become even more dangerous. 

Keep an Eye on the Weather 

For one thing, it’s important to track the weather forecast. Maryland, in particular, is known for its peculiar weather patterns. Unexpected precipitation can lead to safety risks such as accidents, injuries, and even voids and sinkholes depending on how bad the rain, snow, sleet, ice, and wind can get. Frostbite can set in incredibly quickly, so it becomes even more important to head this situation off through an abundance of caution.   

Make Sure Everyone Bundles Up 

Along those same lines, make sure all of your concrete workers have the proper PPE they need. This goes beyond equipping hard hats, steel-toed boots, and reflective vests. Multiple clothing layers can help reduce the chances of frostbite and hypothermia from affecting your workers. Although it might be overlooked during training sessions, make sure workers can keep their hands, mouths, necks, and faces well-protected. Likewise, fog-proof goggles and glasses should be worn; considering how almost all workers will need some type of face covering as mandated to slow down the transmission of the coronavirus, ensuring visibility is essential, especially since darkness falls so early this time of year.  

Get the Site Ready 

Keeping the site ready for your crews to come out and work is also necessary. First of all, debris and stray tools can cause problems even on an ordinary day. That said, snow and freezing rain also present slipping, tripping, and falling hazards. Ladders, stepstools, and scaffolds already call for many precautions – but as winter approaches, be sure to double down on these measures to minimize potential safety risks. 

Ensure that Vehicles and Machinery Are Ready 

Likewise, you’ll want to take time to inspect all of the vehicles and machines your work crew will need to use. Engine oils and hydraulic fluids must be winterized so that they don’t freeze over. Antifreeze oil can also prevent any moisture infiltration from causing hoses and pneumatic to fail because of the cold.  

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 are aware of how to handle equipment and potential situations that could occur during a project.

G&M Services offers services in the way of concrete drilling and sawing, concrete scanning, and Firestop. 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.