Winter On-Site Safety Tips: A Guide to Working In The Cold

As winter approaches, construction sites become increasingly challenging environments to work in. The shorter days, harsher weather conditions, and slippery surfaces pose unique risks to workers' safety. To ensure the well-being of your team and maintain productivity throughout the winter months, it's crucial to implement effective safety measures.

Don't Work In The Dark 

Winter's shorter daylight hours can significantly impact visibility on construction sites. Inadequate lighting can lead to accidents and injuries, making it ESSENTIAL to illuminate work areas properly.

It’s important to consider other factors too, such as the quality of your work. If lighting is insufficient, it’s likely that the standard of the work your are carrying out will slip - meaning you might make more mistakes or carry out tasks incorrectly. 

Sticking to your regulations and guidelines for this is crucial during darker, colder months. Many occupational safety and health regulations often specify minimum lighting requirements for different workplaces - ensure you comply with relevant standards!

Invest in high-quality lighting solutions like Luceco's LED Sitelights and Lighthouse's Elite Headlights to ensure your workers can see clearly and safely carry out their tasks Other methods of lighting you can use for on-site safety could include floodlights, inspection lamps, or clamp work lights.

Wrap Up For Winter 

Chill out! The icy winter doesn't have to freeze your on-site operations. By prioritising staff warmth and comfort, you can ensure safety, productivity, and morale stay high even as the temperature drops. Here's why it's crucial to wrap up for winter and how to do it effectively:

• Health Hazards: Cold exposure can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, and respiratory illnesses, impacting worker well-being and causing costly sick leave.

• Safety Risks: Shivering workers lose dexterity and concentration, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

• Productivity Plunge: Cold workers expend more energy trying to stay warm, leaving less for the task at hand, leading to decreased output and project delays.

Invest In Warm Winter Workwear 

Avoid these issues by gearing up your staff with well insulated winter workwear that will help keep them warm and working safely, we recommend items such as: 

• Multi-layered insulation: Base layers, mid-layers, and outer shells provide adjustable warmth for varying conditions.Check out some of our best sellers, the Stihl Function Universal Jacket and the JCB Base Layer Bottoms. 

• Waterproof and windproof materials: Keep rain, snow, and biting winds at bay, ensuring dryness and comfort. We recommend Regatta waterproofs, as they keep the elements at bay all day - such as this Regatta Waterproof Jacket. 

• Breathable fabrics: Prevent sweat buildup and maintain thermal regulation to avoid overheating. Try switching up your layers with the Tuffstuff Bodywarmer!

Mind Your Feet! 

Forget flimsy footwear – winter work demands serious boots. Warmth, traction, and protection from the elements help keep feet happy, safe, and productive. Let the ice, snow and slushy landscapes meet their match. Invest in winter boots that work as hard as you do! Here at GPH, we’ve got an extensive range of winter footwear options, you can check them out here!

Keep Out The Snow From Head To Toe

Extremities like hands and feet are particularly vulnerable to cold and moisture. Equip your workers with warm gloves, such as Regatta's Thinsulate Gloves, and sturdy Buckler boots such as the the Buckler Buckbootz- which are also hi-viz to keep your staff safe in the dark!

For when the heavens open and snow, sleet, or rain comes down, make sure you’re equipped with something warm for your head, such as a hard hat or beanie. Check out this Carhartt Beanie for some inspiration! These protective layers will help prevent hypothermia and frostbite when working hard on-site.

Salt Your Way to Safer Ground!

Icy and snowy conditions can transform walkways and work surfaces into hazardous zones. To prevent slips, trips, and falls, keep a supply of salt handy to treat walkways, stairs, and other high-traffic areas. 

Regular salting will help maintain traction and reduce the risk of accidents. Remember, consistent application throughout the day, especially after snowfall or temperature changes, is key. Don't forget about shaded areas or those prone to collecting meltwater – they often become icy hot spots! You can get your own supply of Winter Salt today here. 

Winter Workplace Companions

In addition to kitting out workers with protective gear and maintaining safe worksite conditions, employers should also provide access to amenities that enhance their comfort and safety during harsh winter weather. Portable heaters like the Elite 240V Halogen Infrared Mobile Heater can provide warmth during breaks in cold environments, while portable fans like the STATUS Upright Fan Heater can offer a blast of warm air in chilly workplaces.

Keeping a snow shovel and ice scraper on hand allows workers to promptly clear snow and ice from walkways, equipment, and vehicles, ensuring safe and uninterrupted work operations. By prioritising well-being and providing these essential tools and equipment, employers can have a productive and hazard-free work environment throughout the winter months.

Safety in Numbers: Plan, Train, and Communicate

Winter safety doesn't just happen; it requires planning, training, and effective communication. Develop a comprehensive winter safety plan that outlines specific procedures for handling cold weather conditions, snow and ice removal, and emergency situations. Train your workers on the plan and ensure they understand the importance of following safety protocols. Regular communication and reminders can help keep safety at the forefront of everyone's minds.

Winter can be a challenging time for construction work, but with proper planning, preparation, and communication, you can create a safe and productive work environment for your team. By investing in quality workwear, lighting solutions, and site maintenance tools, you can minimise the risks associated with cold weather and keep your workers focused on their tasks. Remember, winter safety is an ongoing commitment, and by making it a priority, you can protect your workforce and ensure the success of your projects.