Winter Weather Safety For Outdoor Contractors
The winter months can bring virtually any kind of weather, and you don’t want to be unprepared when cold, wet weather hits your worksite. While each season has its own set of issues, winter is the most unpredictable and potentially dangerous time of the year. High winds, cold rain, snow, ice, sleet… a lot can happen that can affect the well being of everyone on a worksite – especially if you or your team work outside. What are some things that you can do to be safe while working outdoors this winter to protect yourself and your team, keep insurance premiums down, and keep your profitability up?
Main Winter Safety Hazards
In 2014, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were 42,40 workplace injuries involving ice, sleet, or snow. 34,860 of these injuries were due to falls on the same level suggesting slippery conditions were the main culprit. Hypothermia and frost are always of main concern when there is prolonged exposure to the cold. However, there are many other risks that contractors face as well:
Ice or Slippery Walkways
Always ensure that walkways are free of ice or slippery conditions. This includes sidewalks, non-paved walking paths, driveways, stairs, and scaffolding.