Preparing for Winter: A Contractor’s Guide to Staying Safe as Temperatures Drop

As winter approaches, construction projects face a unique set of challenges that require extra attention to safety.

Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and shorter daylight hours can introduce a host of hazards that, if not properly managed, can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities.

For example, in 2020, around 41.5% (or 22) of weather-related workplace fatalities in the construction industry were related to ice, sleet or snow, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

However, with construction safety protocols in place, you can ensure that workers stay protected and that work continues smoothly despite the season’s challenges.

Below, we detail how construction companies can prepare for winter and enhance safety on the jobsite.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding winter hazards — like cold stress and slips, trips and falls — helps contractors create a plan to reduce incidents.
• Contractors should understand the added stress the cold puts on their equipment and put a plan for inspections and maintenance to prolong its lifespan and reduce delays.
• Wearing the proper clothing, gear and PPE is crucial to avoiding cold-related illnesses during the winter.
• Leveraging construction safety software—like SafetyHQ® — helps contractors create a safety plan, track performance in real-time and adapt to reduce incidents and improve productivity during the winter.

Understanding Winter Hazards

Before implementing any safety measures, it’s essential to recognize the common risks that arise during the winter months:

Cold Stress

Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to hypothermia and frostbite, especially with wind chill. Workers in colder climates may not realize how vulnerable they are until the symptoms of cold stress begin to take hold.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Ice and snow on walkways, ladders, scaffolding and equipment increase the risk of slip-and-fall accidents, which is a leading cause of workplace fatalities in the construction industry, according to the BLS. Slippery surfaces indoors also pose a danger as workers track snow and water into the workplace.

Reduced Visibility

Shorter days and adverse weather conditions such as fog or snowstorms reduce visibility on construction sites, making it more difficult for workers to spot potential hazards.

Increased Risk of Equipment Failures

Cold weather can affect machinery and tools, potentially leading to failures that could cause accidents or delays.

Mental Fatigue

Severe winter weather offers a dangerous combination of colder temperatures, reduced daylight and physical demands that can wear on a worker’s mental stamina, increasing the likelihood of errors.

Ensuring Proper Clothing and Gear

During inclement weather and severe weather conditions, workers exposed to extended periods of cold temperatures must wear extra clothing beyond their standard PPE to maintain body heat

The right clothing is essential for protecting workers against cold exposure and ensuring they stay comfortable and productive in cold environments. Layered clothing is key. Workers should wear:

• Moisture-wicking base layers to keep sweat off their skin
• Insulating middle layers to retain body heat
• Waterproof outer layers to shield themselves against harsh winds and wet conditions
• Insulated gloves, hats and face protection (scarves)
• Insulated, waterproof work boots

It’s imperative workers keep themselves dry throughout the day to avoid cold stress risk.

High-Visibility Clothing

During winter, visibility can be a significant issue due to overcast skies and early nightfall. All workers should wear high-visibility vests or jackets to ensure they are clearly visible on the jobsite.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE remains just as crucial in the winter months as it is throughout the year. Workers must continue wearing helmets, eye protection, and hearing protection where necessary. Workers should regularly inspect their PPE to ensure the frigid temperatures have not cracked or worn them out prematurely.

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

As mentioned earlier, the risk of slipping, tripping and falling increases in winter months due to snow and ice. Here are some steps to mitigate these hazards:

Keep Walkways Clear

Salt, sand, or other de-icing materials should be used regularly to keep walking surfaces free of snow accumulation and ice. Additionally, contractors should keep areas around entrances and exits clear of snow and water to prevent workers from tracking wet conditions inside.

Use Anti-Slip Footwear

In addition to regular safety footwear, workers can benefit from boots with slip-resistant soles. Employers should provide these if necessary or allow employees to purchase them as part of their winter gear.

Mark Hazards Clearly

Temporary or permanent hazards, such as a patch of ice or an uneven surface, should be marked with warning signs or cones.

Maintaining Equipment and Tools

Winter temperatures can affect both the function and safety of machinery and tools. Before operations begin, ensure that equipment is properly serviced and ready to handle the colder conditions.

Regular Inspections

Cold weather conditions can thicken lubricants and make engines harder to start. It can also lead batteries to lose charge, causing equipment problems. Conducting thorough equipment inspections will help identify issues before they cause a breakdown.

Ensuring Worker Health and Wellness

Winter can take a toll on both the body and mind. Workers need to monitor their physical conditions to prevent cold weather injuries. It’s crucial to promote health and wellness.

Hydration

Even in cold weather, workers need to stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to increased fatigue and muscle cramps. Workers should drink plenty of water even during the winter season.

Rest Breaks

In extreme cold, workers are at greater risk of exhaustion. Schedule frequent breaks in warm areas to reduce the risk of cold stress injuries.

Seasonal Training

Provide workers with specific training on how to recognize the signs of hypothermia, frostbite and other cold-related illnesses. Encourage them to report any signs of cold stress early.

Adjust Work Hours

Consider scheduling the most dangerous tasks for the warmer parts of the day. If nighttime work is necessary, ensure that adequate lighting is available to reduce risks associated with poor visibility in cold conditions.

Investing in Construction Safety Software

Construction safety software helps employers keep their workers informed about winter hazards.

Toolbox Talks

Toolbox Talks are trainings that address industry and site-specific concerns. Contractors can use Toolbox Talks to inform their workforce about the potential hazards they may face during winter months and extreme temperatures.

Jobsite Hazard Analysis (JHAs)

Employers can use construction safety software to inform their workers about site-specific hazards. JHAs can be distributed digitally to ensure that employees are aware of hazards before they step foot on a jobsite.

Monitoring Safety Performance in Real-Time

Weather changes frequently, so contractors and outdoor workers need to adapt their approach to safety accordingly. Construction safety software gives them access to real-time data to make more informed decisions to keep their workers safer during dangerous weather conditions.

Prepare for Winter Hazards With SafetyHQ

A cold weather safety plan can help workers stay safe during the harsh conditions of the cold season.

SafetyHQ is a leading construction safety software that offers:

• A library of pre-built and customizable Toolbox Talks to inform workers about cold-related hazards
• JHAs to keep workers informed about jobsite hazards in real-time
• Real-time data that allows employers to assess safety performance and adjust accordingly

For more information about how SafetyHQ can help you and your workers prepare for winter and stay safe during the winter months, speak with an expert today!