The winter season is well underway, but there remain some months of cold and unpredictable weather ahead before the seasons shift again. Regardless of the time of year, the construction industry is a dangerous one in which to work. It is the industry with the most fatalities per year, owing to the sheer volume of risk on active work sites. But the winter poses additional risks to personnel, which need to be met on their own terms.
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Seasonal Hazards, and Risks to Health
The most obvious seasonal hazard posed by the winter months is inclement weather. Rainy, snowy or stormy conditions can make outdoor construction sites much more dangerous to work in, on account of a number of factors.
Decreased visibility in heavy rain or fog makes it difficult to see other workers on site, increasing the risk of an accidental injury. Heavy rain and snow introduce water to your construction site, which may make operating electrical equipment more dangerous. If standing water freezes overnight, then the risk of slipping and falling is much higher.
The winter also brings generally cold temperatures, which can have negative impacts on workers ill-equipped to handle the cold. Extremities are the quickest to freeze, as the body re-regulates blood flow to prefer the core; as such, cold temperatures can reduce dexterity and motor control, and make it more difficult for workers to safely handle tools. The cold can also have cognitive impacts if workers are not adequately protected.
A Note on Logistical Risk
While the health and safety of workers on site are paramount, and naturally take priority over any other considerations, it is important to recognise the simultaneous impact that unpredictable weather conditions can have on the viability of a construction project, financially speaking. Delays can surface as a result of slowed or halted work, while worker injuries can lead to significant costs relating to wages, civil claims, and aforementioned delays.
Your firm should already have builders’ insurance arrangements in place to cover the potential costs and liability involved in working year-round, let alone during the winter. However, there is no better time to review your insurance policy on this matter – especially if you are anticipating difficulty in this year’s cold weather.
Ensuring Worker Safety in Winter
More active efforts to ensure worker safety during the winter can be fairly reliably centred around the provision of personal protective equipment. Providing workers with suitable boots will give them more grip against potentially icy surfaces, while insulated gloves will allow them to operate machinery and carry materials with little discomfort. You should also provide hi-vis coats for both insulative and visibility purposes.
On top of providing adequate winter-proofing equipment, you should also re-evaluate your breaks policy and provisions. Wherever your workers are, they should have access to warm shelter and hot drinks; they should also be granted the opportunity to take reasonable breaks in order to keep warm and safe during their shifts.
