Staying Safe on Winter Construction Sites
If you work on a construction site, you already know that safety is a top priority. With all the equipment and personnel around, it only takes a minute for an injury to occur, and that injury could be quite severe.
Winter construction sites can present a unique situation that we must always prepare for. To ensure your safety, we’ve compiled a few quick tips you can utilize while working at or visiting a construction site during the winter months.
Watch for Ice Patches
Construction sites are already a place where injuries can occur, but it gets a lot worse during the winter months because of the possibility of slip-and-fall accidents. Patches of ice may form either on the ground or on surfaces within the construction site, so be sure to watch for any dangerous spots. If you spot a patch of snow or ice on the construction site, then follow your employer’s rules for giving notice about and remedying the dangerous condition.
Dress in Warm Clothes
When your body gets cold, its reaction time goes down, which could lead to an increased probability of getting injured at the site. Plus, exposure to extremely harsh temperatures can lead to frostbite and other dangerous situations. So make sure that you are dressing appropriately for the temperature.
Stretch Out Prior to Arrival
Even though wearing warm clothes will help prevent your body from slowing down too much, it’s essential that your muscles are limber and your blood is flowing to your extremities. To help out with this, stretch out before arriving at the construction site, and do a second set of stretches once you arrive. The more flexible you are, the less susceptible you’ll be to injury. While you should always work with a professional prior to developing a proper workplace stretching routine, here are some ideas.
Make Sure You Stay Hydrated
When the weather turns cold, it’s easier to let hydration slip your mind. Maintaining a proper level of hydration helps keep your energy up, keeps your mind clear and focused, and makes your body function at a more optimal level. Since being dehydrated can increase chances of injury, be sure that you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day even if the weather doesn’t seem to warrant it.
Wear Proper Gear at All Times
In addition to wearing warm clothes to help protect you from the cold, it’s important that you wear proper gear, as well. Two good examples are protective eyewear that will protect you from injury and glare from surrounding snow, in addition to proper footwear that will keep you warm and protected while adding traction.
Know Your Physical Limits and The Safety Rules
No matter what time of year it is, it’s important to understand that working on a construction site or even visiting one can be strenuous, to say the least. Therefore it’s important to understand your physical limits and your employer’s safety rules to help avoid possible injury.
Construction site injuries can be very serious and involved, and it’s important that you have a qualified attorney on your side. If you have experienced any kind of work injury or personal injury, be sure to reach out to Mintz Law Firm for a free case evaluation.