As you step outside, the chilly morning air quickly replaces the warmth you’ve enjoyed inside. Your next eight hours will be spent on a commercial construction site, and you’re already wondering how you’ll handle the biting cold that comes with winter.
Recent data shows that winter weather in 2024 resulted in 159 fatalities and 351 injuries in the U.S. Construction workers are particularly vulnerable to cold weather issues due to their extended outdoor exposure, especially when strong winds intensify the cold.
Implementing a solid safety plan can ensure that you and your crew remain safe while working in cold conditions. Let’s take a closer look at several key safety measures for commercial construction sites during winter.
Invest in Proper Gear
One of the most critical aspects of staying safe on a construction site is having the right cold-weather gear. Yurinox Workwear offers high-quality construction wear clothing that is perfect for cold conditions, including hard hats with high-density foam for impact protection and temperature control. Other essential cold-weather items include fleece-lined hoodies, jackets, pants, vests, flannel shirts, layered socks, waterproof boots, and gloves made from insulating materials such as wool.
It’s crucial to keep your feet, hands, and head warm, as frostbite most commonly affects these areas when temperatures drop below 32°F. Be sure to bring extra clothing to change into, as wet clothing accelerates heat loss and increases the risk of cold stress, which occurs when your body temperature drops due to the cold.
Foster Teamwork
Implement a “buddy system” to enhance safety. Assign two workers to each task to ensure that no one faces the dangers of cold weather alone. If one worker shows signs of cold stress, the other can immediately get help. Make it a routine to check on your teammate’s condition, not just your own, when facing harsh winter conditions.
Optimize Afternoon Work Hours
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) suggests scheduling construction tasks in the afternoon during winter months. Wind tends to be calmer at this time, and temperatures are often higher compared to early morning.
Monitor Potential Site Hazards
Be vigilant for hazards on the site that arise from freezing conditions, such as slippery surfaces. Avoid scheduling tasks at heights, like rooftop work, as the risk of slipping increases significantly. In fact, trips, falls, and slips accounted for 32% of nonfatal construction injuries in 2019, with workers often sidelined for 28 days on average.
Incorporate Frequent Breaks
Ensure your team takes regular breaks, especially when temperatures drop below -24°F. Workers should not go more than 75 minutes without a break. During breaks, workers can change into dry clothes, rest, and warm up with hot drinks and blankets in heated, dry areas.
Recognize the Warning Signs of Cold Stress
Understanding the symptoms of cold stress is vital for identifying when workers need medical attention after prolonged exposure to the cold. Look out for signs such as blisters, numbness, and other symptoms like:
- Leg cramps
- Swelling
- Pain
- Tingling
- Red or irritated skin
Cold stress manifests in various conditions, such as hypothermia, trench foot, chilblains, and frostbite. Let’s break these down.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when body temperature falls below 94°F. Symptoms include slowed heart rate, blurry vision, slurred speech, confusion, loss of coordination, and uncontrollable shivering. Seek medical help immediately, as hypothermia can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Trench Foot
Trench foot happens when feet become numb, swollen, and red due to prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions, even if temperatures are above freezing. Wet feet lose heat much more quickly than dry feet, making them more susceptible to injury. To reduce the effects, remove wet footwear and warm up feet in a dry area. Workers with trench foot should elevate their feet and avoid walking to prevent further tissue damage s a safety precaution on construction sites.
Chilblains
Chilblains are painful inflammations of the skin’s blood vessels caused by repeated exposure to cooler temperatures. Symptoms include redness, blistering, and itching. This condition can even occur in temperatures as mild as 60°F. To ease the pain, warm the affected areas slowly and avoid scratching. A corticosteroid cream can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when cold temperatures freeze the skin and underlying tissues, potentially causing permanent damage to blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and skin. Early signs include numbness, tingling, skin hardening, and discoloration in areas such as the ears, nose, toes, and fingers. If frostbite is suspected, seek medical attention immediately to prevent long-term damage.
Keep Your Construction Team Safe This Winter
The key safety protocols for winter construction work in cold climates include outfitting workers with proper cold-weather gear, promoting teamwork, and actively monitoring the worksite for ice and other hazards. Additionally, scheduling work for later in the day, enforcing regular breaks, and training the team to recognize cold stress symptoms will enhance safety. By adhering to these safety practices, you can help ensure that your team stays healthy and safe even in the most frigid conditions this winter.
