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With construction work primarily being outdoors, construction workers can be exposed to extreme weather when on-site over the winter months. Proper preparation and protective measures are essential to minimise risks associated with cold weather.
In this blog, we cover why workers should take safety seriously in winter and advise how to keep individuals safe and reduce the chances of contracting illnesses.
Construction is a role that requires you to work in many conditions, whether that is in the prime heatwave months or through severe winter weather. Prolonged exposure to cold weather can inflict many conditions if workers aren’t wearing the correct protective clothing, these include:
We’ve covered why cold weather can be dangerous to construction workers. Now, let’s take a look at how to protect yourself from extreme conditions:
Thermally insulated coveralls are a great choice for winter work as they cover nearly all exposed skin on your body, including arms and legs, but are comfortable enough to allow you to move freely. Often, getting them a little bit oversized can be beneficial, so layers can be worn underneath.
Layering clothes is a smart way to stay warm, dry, and comfortable in cold or changing weather, especially for outdoor work like construction. It works by trapping air between layers, which acts as insulation, while also allowing moisture to escape so you don’t get damp and chilled. Layering is also great because if you do get overheated, you can take a layer off to cool down without exposing too much skin.
Helmet liners are fantastic as they enhance comfort under a hard hat by combining layers for a secure fit, breathability and moisture management. These typically fasten under the chin, so they protect your head, ears, and part of your neck.
Face masks and wrap-around eye protection can help retain body heat, while a scarf is ideal for keeping the neck warm and can be easily removed if you get too hot. Just be sure to avoid loose ends that could get caught in machinery.
Hands and feet are usually the first parts of the body that feel the cold, so to stop them from feeling like blocks of ice, it’s important to find the right protective gear for the weather. Gloves are the best protective gear for the hands, but any gloves won’t be sufficient. By selecting the wrong gloves, they can actually cause more harm than good.
Good gloves will not only provide thermal protection but will also maintain dexterity as construction tasks require handling tools. It is also important that the glove you select has moisture-wicking or waterproof layers.
Construction workers spend hours on their feet and may take more steps per day than those with office jobs or other sedentary roles, which makes proper footwear and foot care essential to prevent fatigue and injury.
Finding the correct safety footwear can be a difficult task as there are a number of areas to consider. The footwear should have high-quality thermal insulation to keep feet warm in cold conditions. They should also have slip-resistant soles to avoid slips and trips on ice and be waterproof to keep moisture out.
Like all footwear, safety boots should fit correctly and support the ankle, providing comfort. Safety boots should also comply with safety standards, most likely in construction, steel-toe caps are required for a role on site. Instead of steel-toe caps, construction professionals may opt for composite toes, as this doesn’t conduct the cold quite as much as steel-toe caps.
To accompany your footwear, for extra insulation, thermal socks can be worn to keep feet warm and dry, while also providing additional comfort during long hours on-site.
Construction workers average approximately 8,000-12,000+ steps per day, which means their bodies generate a lot of heat and sweat during work.
This is also why layering is important: as you work, you sweat, and moisture can make you cold. Wearing multiple layers makes it easier to stay dry, and if you expect to work up a lot of sweat, it’s wise to bring a spare change of clothes
If your worksite is covered in ice, the risk of slips, trips and potential accidents is significantly higher.
When de-icing, it’s important to do it correctly: use rock salt or grit to melt snow and ice, and then spread sand to improve traction and prevent surfaces from becoming slippery.
Avoid using hot or warm water, as it can quickly refreeze and create an even more hazardous surface.
Overall, with this advice, you can ensure that you are warm and safe during the harsh winter months. Proper clothing, protective gear, and careful attention to your work environment can help prevent cold-related illnesses and injuries.
Staying dry, layering effectively, protecting extremities, and keeping walkways clear of ice will not only keep you comfortable but also improve safety and productivity on site.
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