Protecting Against Winter Construction Hazards
Canadian winters pose a steep challenge for all types of activities, and construction work is no exception!
Those who labour in construction sites must cope with below-freezing temperatures, snow, and ice,
increasing the risks of injuries, illnesses and even death.
Fortunately, you can sidestep these hazards! Stick around as we uncover some of the most typical winter
construction risks and the methods to avoid them:
Cold Stress
People who work in outdoor sites during winter are exposed to cold stress, an umbrella term encompassing a
variety of cold-related diseases (some of which may pass unnoticed at first).
When the body can no longer recover or maintain its normal temperature, severe conditions such as frostbite
or hypothermia may ensue, bringing about permanent tissue damage and/or even cardiovascular death!
Those who work at construction sites during winter should dress warmly. In addition, they ought to drink
warm beverages and soups often to keep their body temperature at optimal levels and stay hydrated (coffee
is not recommended!)
Project directors or leaders should encourage site workers to learn about the symptoms of cold stress and
what this condition may lead to.
Snow Removal
Snow removal is known to cause excruciating muscle strain, especially when dealing with the thick layers
that form all across Canada during the coldest months. For this reason, workers should regularly rotate when
performing these tasks or be allowed to share their efforts with someone else to relieve the burden.
Special care should be taken during snow removal from roofs and high places owing to the increased risks of
working at heights during winter.
Slipping and Falling
Ice and snow formations are perfect recipes for slipping and falling accidents and constitute a leading cause
of injuries at construction sites during the coldest part of the year.
Labourers should be equipped with winter-ready boots and ensure that ladders are appropriately defrosted
before climbing.
When working on scaffolding, they should tread with extreme caution, as a fall from a certain height can
unavoidably lead to death. They should wear proper PPE equipment, such as harnesses, for fall protection.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Construction workers tend to utilize gasoline-powered tools during their chores, all of which emit carbon
monoxide.
During winter, carbon monoxide emissions could rise substantially thanks to the use of gas-powered heaters
and snow blowers. Increased exposure to these toxic gases can take a heavy toll on your workers’ health,
eventually leading to poisoning.
Construction sites should replace gas-powered tools with electric or manual ones whenever possible. They
should also provide carbon monoxide monitors to workers prone to inhale high quantities in enclosed areas.
Winter Driving
This hazard is not exclusive to construction workers but bears pointing out.
Employees should be prompted to check their vehicles regularly to make sure they’re winter-ready. Also,
snow buildups and icy formations should be removed from the roads leading to the site whenever possible to
prevent fatal car accidents.
Distractions
When humans are under thermal discomforts – such as freezing cold – their brains will continually get
distracted by their body’s signals. Distractions of this kind cannot be tolerated in construction work as that
may give rise to further construction-related mishaps.
It’s always essential that workers are sufficiently instructed regarding all the hazards and tips we outlined
above. By doing so, distractions are kept at bay, resulting in fewer unfortunate incidents and a boost in
productivity.
