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Winter brings cold weather and possibly snowfall. These challenges can make construction sites even more hazardous. Making winter safety a priority will help you keep yourself and others on your team safe. There are several factors you need to consider.

Cold Stress and Overall Health

One of the biggest risks to worker safety and health is cold stress, which includes conditions like hypothermia and frostbite. Workers who are exposed to prolonged cold without adequate protection can experience symptoms ranging from intense shivering and lack of coordination to confusion and slowed reaction times.

Make sure your management team is trained to recognize these signs early. If they notice that a worker is being affected by the cold, they should remove that person from the conditions immediately.

Planning for Cold Weather

Planning is one of the best ways to keep everyone safe. Educate your team on the symptoms of cold stress and encourage them to dress appropriately for the weather. Encouraging frequent breaks in warm, dry areas and offering warm beverages can help keep morale high.

You should also conduct a thorough jobsite assessment ahead of any cold weather spells. Consider potential hazards such as icy surfaces or weak spots on scaffolding. Removing snow and ice from walkways and access points reduces the risk of slips and falls.

Make sure you closely monitor weather forecasts. You need to know when a storm is predicted or temperatures will drop significantly.

Wearing the Right Equipment

When cold weather hits, appropriate PPE means wearing a lot more than hard hats and safety vests. Your employees need to be equipped with insulated gloves, waterproof boots, and thermal underlayers. These items will shield them from moisture and cold while allowing them to remain mobile.

You can do your part by improving job site visibility and reducing hazards. Install temporary lighting in areas where natural light is limited. Make sure all walkways and work zones are free from hidden ice patches where employees may slip and fall. Apply salt or sand to high-traffic areas where necessary to promote traction.

Prepping Your Work Site

When cold weather is inbound, set up heated break areas and encourage employees to take advantage of these spaces to warm up. Your goal is to prevent overexposure and help teams stay focused throughout the day. Staying in the frigid weather too long can be physically and mentally draining.

Emergency Readiness and Communication

Effective communication is essential for winter safety. Make sure your team knows how to report hazards and recognize symptoms of cold-related illnesses in themselves and others. Have a clear plan of action, including who to contact and where to seek shelter in the event of an emergency.

Getting Licensed With RocketCert

Make sure you and other workers on the winter construction site are properly licensed to promote safety. RocketCert makes it easy to obtain your licensing education and renewal credits via our online classes. Explore RocketCert’s contractor licensing courses and obtain a license in your field and state.