How To Weatherproof Your Construction Site

Safety Measures

Cold snaps of freezing weather, snow and ice brings with it a whole host of hazards to the construction site. Putting workers, operations material and equipment at risk – resulting in costly and time-consuming repairs and replacement. To ensure safety and production over the winter period there are several precautions and countermeasures which can be put into place. 

Pre-Winter Checks

It is a good idea to ensure that all access areas, roads and parking are well maintained and free from potholes. Any other type of uneven surfaces such as holes or ditches should be filled in or clearly marked, as these will collect water and freeze during low temperatures, making access and snow removal more difficult, as well as creating a more hazardous site.

Suitable Storage

In extreme cold snaps of weather, damage and erosion may occur to tools and equipment –  this is particularly true of sensitive equipment. It is vital that the construction management team provide somewhere to securely store equipment and the belongings of employees.

Protecting Raw Material

Following heavy rain, water may accumulate in and around the blocks and subsequently freeze overnight, causing the blocks to expand – this can make the blocks too heavy to manoeuvre, as well as causing irreparable damage. All raw materials should be protected from exposure to rain, snow and frost. Hessian sheets are often used to cover large areas of exposed blocks or brickwork.

Managing Excess Water

Temporary downpipes provide an effective solution for coping with excessive rainfall, allowing it to be directed to designated outlets, rather than accumulating in pools of water.

Preserve Equipment

Under extremely cold conditions equipment often fails, it is important to ensure that all oils and coolants are appropriately rated for the temperatures and changed if necessary. Some equipment may not be adapted to operate under extreme cold.

Protecting Your Employees & Preventing Accidents

Winter conditions of low temperatures, torrential rain, wind, ice and snow can transform the construction site into a dangerous place, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries for employees.

Driving Accidents

Operating plant machinery during cold weather becomes more dangerous, as both wheels and tracks are more susceptible to skidding on frozen ground – reducing the speed limit can minimise the risk of accidents. The site should always be well illuminated to ensure poor ground conditions or hazards are more visible.

Falls

Slips and falls occur all year round on the constructions site, however during the winter season such accidents become much more likely due to the accumulation of ice on a number of surfaces such as ramps, ladders, stairs, walkways and work platforms. Falls and slips at height can be extremely dangerous – anti-slip boards, grit, de-icer and installing additional lighting are all ways to help prevent falls and other accidents during the winter months.

Cold Weather-Related Stress

Freezing temperatures and damp conditions can significantly lower the core temperature of the body, which can lead to a range of potentially serious health conditions if not treated such as:

• Hypothermia – this occurs when the core body temperature drops below 35°C. Symptoms of hypothermia include cold and pale skin, confusion, tiredness, slurred speech and shivering. If the body temperature drops below 32°C, the individual may stop shivering and pass out – this is a medical emergency.
• Frostbite – this describes damage caused to skin and tissue as a result of freezing temperatures, it typically affects the extremities such as the nose, ears, fingers or toes. Affected areas may feel cold and painful, which may develop into feelings of pins and needles before becoming numb as the tissue freezes. Damage to tissue caused by frost bite can be permanent if not treated.
• Chilblains – these small itchy swellings occur on the skin as a reaction to cold temperatures, most often affecting the body’s extremities such as the fingers, toes, ears and nose. Chilblains can cause discomfort and, in some cases, become infected.

Preventative Measures

Weather appropriate clothing

Well insulated clothing which protects the extremities, especially the head, hands and feet should be provided to on-site workers – dressing adequately is key to staying fit and healthy on the construction site during the winter months.

For winter construction products, call AT Wilde & Son today on 01743 718 777.