Ways to Keep Your Construction Crew Safe During the Winter

Ways to Keep Your Construction Crew Safe During the Winter
With winter upon us, outdoor workers are more prone to becoming exposed to serious health problems. These problems can include trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. There are some signs a worker can present when they have been exposed to severe weather without proper personal protection equipment that can lead to death; uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, and erratic behavior. When someone shows signs, call for emergency help.
Workers exposed to cold air and winds tend to lose an exorbitant amount of body heat.  Here are a few tips and recommendations by The Balance that will help protect your crew during the winter months.

Cold Stress Guide

OSHA has identified types of cold stress (a collective term for various cold-related injuries) and has a reference guide to combat and prevent sickness or injuries related to cold weather. The reference guide has some helpful tips:
  • Beware of the environmental conditions and the expected forecast for the day that could present some problems to your construction workers.
  • Identify the signs and symptom of cold-related illness and injuries.
  • Train your workers about these weather injuries and how to protect from them.
  • Provide or encourage construction workers to wear appropriate clothing, including the possibility of wearing layers that could be adjusted to various weather conditions.
  • Provide short breaks in warm environments allowing workers to warm up their bodies, or to dry their clothes.
While these are just a few tips, please visit The Balance for more life-saving tips and references that all workers can use.

Protective Workwear

Protective clothing is needed and the proper use of clothing is important. It should be selected depending on the conditions, duration of the job, location, and of course temperature. This includes footwear and socks.

  • When possible wear multiple layers instead of single layer.
  • The inner layer must provide insulation and be able to repel moisture from the skin.
  • Thermal underwear from polyester is recommended.
  • External layers should be easily detachable.
  • The outer layer must be waterproof.
  • If possible, a wool cap or a liner under a hard hat can reduce excessive heat loss.
  • Remove snow before entering a warm shelter.
  • Gloves should be used when the temperature is below 4 degrees, while mittens should be used for work below -17 degrees.
  • Avoid cotton cloth because it tends to get damp or wet.
Workers in cold weather also need to wear proper footwear protection. The recommended shoes are leather-topped boots with removable felt insoles. Leather boots can be treated with special products, they can also waterproof them if work involves walking in water.
Wearing thick socks is also recommended. It is also highly recommended to have an extra pair in case they become damp during the workday. If two pairs of socks are worn, be sure the outer sock is larger than the inner sock to avoid extra compression.
It wouldn’t hurt to carry gloves around the worksite. Working with metal handlebars, tools, machines, and other equipment, must be designed so they can be used with the proper grip of mittens or gloves.

United Rentals in Abilene

The safety of our employees is important to us and we know it is to you. These are guidelines provided by The Balance to get you started. If you have other questions or concerns, you should contact OSHA for more information.

At United Rentals, we offer affordable rentals for any job, come winter or summer. Stop by or visit us at www.unitedrentals.com to view our extensive selection of our large and small equipment rentals in Abilene.  

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