Stay Safe on Site during the Winter Months
Accidents increase on construction sites during the autumn and winter months. Strong winds, freezing temperatures and wet conditions all make trips and falls more likely – and more likely to be serious when they do happen. So it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and the safety of other site staff over this period.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, the following five safety issues should be addressed over the winter:
Lighting
As our daylight remains reduced, you should ensure your site is well lit so any potential hazards can been seen and avoided. This may mean bringing in additional lighting.
Wet and decaying leaves
Fallen leaves become unlikely hazards and should be removed on a regular basis. Decaying leaves can cause serious slips and trips.
Rainwater
Excess rainwater also causes problems, as unofficial pathways become sludgy and slippery. Rainwater is also easily walked into buildings causing fatal floors.
Ice, frost and snow
And when the snow and ice hit, it’s essential to cover and treat frozen areas or to prevent harmful tumbles.
Gritting
But it’s not just potential accidents you need to be aware of when working on a building site during the winter months: the plummeting temperatures can play havoc with an outdoor worker’s health and general wellbeing too.
The Chill Factor
Working outdoors in cold temperatures can cause serious health issues; it’s therefore crucial to ensure the correct steps are taken to combat any negative effects of the cold weather. Being cold can make for a less effective, less alert worker. So keeping as warm as possible and taking regular breaks is a must for construction staff in order to avoid possible accidents.
