Winter is right around the corner, bringing with it cold temperatures, ice, and snow. Most people spend the season bundled up indoors, but not everyone can escape the weather. Construction workers, including those in temporary positions, must brave the cold as they continue to improve our infrastructure.
Safety is always paramount, but it becomes especially important in the winter. Preparation and awareness can help reduce workplace accidents and maintain productivity. Keep reading to learn eight winter safety tips for outdoor jobs.
1. Dress Appropriately for the Cold
The first thing you should do to protect yourself from winter weather is to dress appropriately for the cold. Wearing layers will trap your body heat and help you stay dry. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating middle layer, and finish with a waterproof outer layer.
Make sure you have durable work gloves, insulated boots, and a warm hat. A high-visibility jacket or vest can help you stay visible in low-light conditions.
2. Prevent Accidents and Injuries
Ice and snow make everything wet and slippery. To prevent accidents, wear slip-resistant footwear and use salt or sand on icy patches of ground. Whenever possible, remove snow before work begins, whether with shovels, a snow blower, or a snow plow.
It’s essential to properly store and maintain tools in the cold weather. Leaving them out in the elements can impact their functionality, increasing the risk of improper use. If your hands are cold, warm them up before using any tools to ensure a solid grip and reduce the likelihood of injury.
3. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is common in winter weather, leading to fatigue and other health issues. Make sure you’re drinking enough — water is best, but warm beverages do the trick, as well. Keep plenty of water available on the job site to ensure everyone stays hydrated.
4. Take Breaks to Warm Up
If you’re a worker, take frequent breaks in warm areas to maintain your body temperature. If you’re an employer, set up designated warming shelters or break areas at the job site to keep your employees safe.
Be on the lookout for the early symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia, including numbness and pale skin. Early detection can save lives, so watch out for both yourself and your coworkers. Use the buddy system to check each other for signs of cold-related illness.
5. Winterize Work Vehicles
Work trucks and other vehicles used on job sites should be properly winterized. This can include adding tire chains, stocking emergency kits, and changing out regular tires for snow tires. Employers should provide training on safe winter driving techniques.
On the drive to work, use a GPS and/or weather app for up-to-date road conditions. If necessary, adjust your schedules to avoid travel during snowstorms.
6. Know Your Rights
You have the right to refuse to work in unsafe weather conditions. Familiarize yourself with your rights, and don’t be afraid to contact OSHA in the event that an issue occurs. For more information, check out a previous blog post, “Can You Leave A Shift If The Weather Is Bad?”
Don’t hesitate to talk to your employer if you have any safety concerns. If you’re a temp worker, you can also contact the agency for help. Standing up for yourself can be scary, but it’s worth it to keep you and your coworkers safe.
7. Provide Safety Training for Winter Conditions
These last two tips are aimed at employers. It’s a good idea to offer seasonal training to educate workers on winter safety. Make sure you go over cold-related illnesses, emergency procedures, and the safe use of tools.
8. Establish Emergency Procedures
When it comes to winter safety, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Before winter descends, develop an emergency plan that outlines what to do if something goes wrong, whether it’s road closures, blizzards, frostbite, slips and falls, or collisions. Provide a list of emergency supplies — blankets, hand warmers, first aid kits, etc. — to keep on hand at every job site.
Wintertime Temp Jobs at All Trades
When employers and employees work together, they can ensure a safe, productive work environment, regardless of the season. Following these simple tips can reduce accidents, protect workers, and keep everyone happy and healthy.
If you’re looking for seasonal work this winter, contact All Trades or browse temp job postings. We work with employers in a wide range of industries and can match you to a job that fits your needs.
