The following are cold weather safety tips for construction workers.
1. Dress Appropriately: Wear multiple layers of clothing to stay warm. The outer layer should be wind-resistant. Use insulated gloves, hats, and waterproof boots to protect extremities. Ensure that clothing does not interfere with personal protective equipment (PPE).
2. Stay Dry: Wet clothing can rapidly decrease body temperature. Remove outer layers if you start sweating. Use waterproof gear to stay dry in snowy or rainy conditions.
3. Take Regular Breaks: Schedule frequent warm-up breaks in heated shelters to prevent cold stress. Encourage workers to drink warm, non-caffeinated beverages.
4. Monitor Weather Conditions: Check weather forecasts regularly and plan work accordingly. Be aware of wind chill factors, which can significantly increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
5. Recognize Signs of Cold Stress: Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, and numbness. Frostbite can cause numbness and white or grayish-yellow skin.
6. Maintain Equipment: Regularly inspect and winterize equipment to ensure it operates safely in cold conditions. Use anti-freeze fluids and cold-weather lubricants.
7. Clear Snow and Ice: Keep walkways and work areas free of snow and ice to prevent slips and falls. Use salt or sand to improve traction on icy surfaces.
8. Develop a Cold Weather Safety Plan: Create a plan that includes emergency procedures and warm-up schedules. Train workers on cold weather safety practices and ensure they know how to respond to cold-related emergencies.
Training and Awareness
Scott Davidson, Safety and Education Director, is available to further discuss fire protection on construction sites. As a benefit of your membership to MCA/CPCA, there is no fee for the following services provided:
- Job Site Inspections
- Tool Box Talks
- Site Specific Safety Programs
- Help with Third Party Safety Plans (ISNET)
- Onsite, at your shop, or at our facility training (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, Fall Protection, PPE, Haz Com, OSHA 10, OSHA 30, OSHA Refresher and more)
- Site Specific Safety Consulting (Fall Protection, Confined Space, Trenching and Excavation and more
You can call Scott for more information