How to ensure your construction site is safe during winter

One of the biggest challenges the construction industry has faced recently is the coronavirus pandemic. But now, as we move into the colder months of the year, there is another challenge: trying to keep construction site safe so you can continue to work. The question is, though, how? 

Take some time to prepare your construction site 

Preparation is one of the first steps you can take to ensure your construction site can withstand the harsh weather of winter. To do so, you can order grit, salt, or sand to make walking on-site safer for your workers. You can also check that fluids such as oil and fuel in machines are topped up and are able to deal with the expected low temperatures. To ensure workers are as warm as possible, you can also make sure that all of the heaters in cabs are working properly.

The final bit of preparation you can do is make sure that you have the tools to cope with any ice and snow. These may include ice picks, axes, and snow shovels.

Complete health and safety checks regularly 

In winter, the combination of snow and ice can make paths and walkways dangerous. As winter sets in, it is important to conduct health and safety checks around your site regularly so it continues to be safe for workers. One of these checks could be making sure your paths are gritted, and you can also check the functionality of work equipment and that it is placed or stored away in a safe area.

Another thing you can do is place more signs around the site warning people of potential weather-related hazards, such as an area prone to ice. You can also use signs to remind people of new protocols, further enhancing the safety of your working environment.

Provide warm clothing 

With construction being a labour-intensive job, it’s important during the winter to keep your workers warm. Cold temperatures can cause workers to have cold hands especially, which is not only uncomfortable but can be dangerous as cold can slow down their reactions, which can cause accidents. Coldness can also, over time, lead to illness, and as a result, an increase in the number of workers requiring sick leave.

To prevent this from happening, you can equip your workers with warm clothes and fleeces. Employees can also wear three layers to keep warm as well as two pairs of socks or thick skiing socks. 

In a nutshell, regular safety checks, early preparation, and warm clothing are the keys to making sure your construction site is winter-proof.