Safety is crucial when doing construction work, and inclement weather can add another layer of safety issues for a job site. It is important construction companies take appropriate measures to alleviate the risks and ensure workers’ safety.
Construction Executive shares cost-effective ways construction companies can optimize safety during the winter.
- Provide your team with proper gear and equipment. Although warm clothes may seem obvious, it is a simple step that has significant effects. Ensure your company has funding for high-quality outerwear items such as boots, jackets, hats and gloves for workers. Choose water-resistant clothing with strong insulation when available.
- Leverage communication technology and public resources. During the winter, severe weather can affect working conditions and disrupt phone and internet service communications, so it is important workers remain informed. Backup communication tools, such as two-way radios, can be reliable and help keep operations running smoothly. Communication tools should be easy to use, durable and have a strong or sustainable battery life. Construction companies also can leverage public resources to help keep workers safe from severe weather. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Alerts keep workers informed in real time if a winter emergency poses a safety threat; having an emergency radio equipped with NOAA Weather Alerts helps workers receive lifesaving notifications.
- Have an emergency plan and prioritize team training. All workers should be confident they can execute what they practiced if they need to act during an emergency. Everyone should know where the emergency go-bag and first-aid kits are located; the types of emergency tools on hand; and the evacuation route if they need to abruptly exit the site. Having a weather radio on job sites can help workers when they need to activate an emergency plan. Be sure to invest in emergency preparedness and training to help prevent casualties and injuries in severe weather.
