Members of construction crews work in all kinds of conditions and terrains, so worker safety in inclement weather should always be a priority. Extreme weather can be a hazard both to the workers themselves as well as to the equipment they’re working with, and the construction site itself. Cold weather can affect your terrain and the way that vehicles operate. Hot weather can pose significant dangers to workers who are exposed to too much heat. Heavy rains can create flooding issues that can de-stabilize terrain or construction sites. And finally, storms can pose significant hazards because of the dangers of lightning strikes and high winds. Make sure that everybody on your crew understands the importance of preparing for the weather correctly with things like plenty of water, warm clothes, or access to shelter. Always stay weather aware and follow local news for updates. Hopefully, by taking some precautions when it comes to extreme weather conditions, you can keep your crew safe and keep your project running smoothly.
Worker Safety in Inclement Weather Conditions: Keeping Your Crew Safe
Cold Weather Concerns
While we often think of severe weather as storms or heavy rains, worker safety in inclement weather also includes cold conditions. When conditions are very cold, workers might be more likely to experience things like frostbite and hypothermia if they do not have adequate preparation or clothing. Furthermore, ice and snow can create slippery conditions that can make machinery more dangerous to operate and can lead to fall hazards. Heavy snow accumulation can also make visibility low, and can create hazards for excavation work.
Hot Weather Concerns
Worker safety in inclement weather also applies to hot weather which can pose hazards to workers because of the risks of dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion. Even crew members who are using machinery and not out in the open can suffer from high temperatures if the machines do not have proper ventilation. Hot weather can also cause machinery to overheat, and can make things like adhesives and sealants less effective. Finally, any plastic pieces on work equipment can weaken in high temperatures and make your machinery less structurally sound.
Heavy Rain
Heavy rain can cause visibility issues on work sites, and can also pose a hazard to the terrain itself. When rain turns into flooding, it can create unstable ground for your machinery and crew. Additionally, heavy rains can make handling equipment more dangerous. Large trucks can slide or become unstable, and workers are at a higher risk for falls. Make sure that workers are wearing reflective gear so that they are still visible even in heavy rain, and consider adding extra lights for increased visibility.
Storms
Of course, worker safety in inclement weather must also include storms, especially with high winds or lightning. Lighting can pose significant fire and electrical risks to your workers and to your machinery. If conditions include lightning, it’s best to leave the site and find a safe place to wait out the storm under cover. Install lightning protection equipment like lightning rods, surge arrestors, and be sure to ground electrical components of the site. Heavy winds can add increased risk to your crew. Some winds can even be strong enough to topple cranes, boom trucks, or other machinery.
Why Experience Matters
Any construction project is eventually going to run into less-than-ideal weather conditions. So having a plan in place for worker safety in inclement weather conditions is extremely important for protecting your crew’s safety as well as your equipment. Extreme cold can present unique hazards to your workers and machinery, so it’s important to make sure that everybody has access to warm shelter and that your crew is dressed properly for the temperature. To protect your crew in extreme heat, make sure that everybody has plenty of water to prevent dehydration, and ensure that you offer breaks to workers frequently. In severe flooding or torrential rain, it’s best to stop work until conditions improve, and consider covering some of the construction area or equipment if things feel like they will get damaged. Finally, in storms, it’s always best to wait in a safe place and install protections within your construction project like lightning rods or reinforced structural components. Hopefully, by taking these tips into consideration, you can keep your crew, your machinery, and your project safe in the event of extreme weather conditions of any sort.
