Winter outdoor work tips are essential for maintaining employee safety and ensuring smooth operations during the coldest months of the year. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has not established specific regulations for working in winter conditions, it’s crucial to educate employees about seasonal hazards, protective measures, and the proper use of equipment. At Aerotech Herman Nelson International, Inc., we believe in going beyond compliance by proactively preparing workers for the unique challenges that winter brings.
Cold temperatures, icy surfaces, reduced visibility, and the risk of cold stress can severely impact worker safety and job performance. Without proper precautions, these conditions can lead to injuries, illnesses, and project delays. By implementing effective winter outdoor work tips, contractors and project managers can protect their teams while maintaining productivity on-site.
Some practical strategies include providing appropriate winter gear, such as insulated clothing, boots, gloves, and face protection, to shield workers from the cold. Portable heaters can maintain safe working temperatures and prevent equipment malfunctions due to freezing. Additionally, training employees to recognize signs of cold stress and ensuring proper hydration and nutrition throughout the workday are vital steps to safeguard health and safety.
These simple yet impactful preparations can make a significant difference in overcoming winter’s challenges. In this guide, we’ll explore more winter outdoor work tips to help your team stay safe, warm, and efficient all season long.
Train The Team
Training the employees about the risks of working during winter, the organization can avoid emergency calls if winter-related illnesses and injuries occur.
This training includes proper outdoor clothing during wet and windy conditions. Wear insulated, moisture-wicking inner layers and waterproof outer clothing to maintain a warm body temperature.
Aside from clothing, every employee should wear insulated safety gloves, fog-resistant safety glasses, winter liners for hard hats, and safety shoes that meet our company’s safety standards.
At Aerotech Herman Nelson International, Inc., we prioritize creating safe and efficient working conditions during the cold season. Train heavy equipment operators and prepare them for harsh winter conditions by following OSHA’s general safety guidelines. Maintaining equipment with regular winter checks—such as inspecting batteries, tires, and lights—is crucial. Equip vehicles with essentials like flashlights, jumper cables, blankets, and first-aid kits for emergencies.
Prepare a Warming Shelter
Along with insulated clothing, OSHA recommends providing heated shelters to reduce cold stress risks. These shelters can be heated tents or storage containers that are equipped with indirect fired and flameless heaters.
Plowing off areas surrounding the construction equipment, walkways, and roofs will keep a safe work place. Using salt or sand will help remove any patches of ice.
Keep plowed ice away from worksites and, if possible, pile it on a slope to prevent meltwater pooling.
Another worksite concern during winter is having an unpaved surface. Heavy snowfalls hide these surfaces, increasing the risk of accidents and equipment damage.
Equipment and Performance Protection
Additional equipment that can be used is ground sheets. They protect equipment from getting stuck in snow or mud during the winter season.
Knowledge of how materials react to cold temperatures is also important to keep them working properly.
Preparation for Winter-Related Illnesses and Work
Snow and extremely low temperatures can affect the company’s deliverables. Management must prepare for potential work stoppages. All clients should be notified during these circumstances and confirm a new schedule for deliveries.
Consider employees’ health along with client concerns. Before the peak of the winter season, advise all employees to stay at home if they are sick. It will prevent the spreading of the virus, especially during this pandemic.
