Weather Hazards and Construction Projects

It’s easy to envy animals that hibernate, snoozing through the worst of the ice, snow, wind, and freezing temperatures that come with Maine winters. But fewer animals hibernate than you think — they’re just more careful about when they come out, and what they do once they emerge. There’s a lesson there for those of us in the construction trades, since the work goes on whether or not Mother Nature’s in a mood to cooperate. Here’s what you should know about worker safety if you’re working with American Aerial Services for crane rental or steel erecting during winter construction projects.

Site Preparation

Preparing for construction projects in the winter moves on two tracks simultaneously. On one hand, it’s necessary to fill potholes and remove other surface hazards that can be hidden under the snow. On the other hand, snow and ice make slips and falls even more common than they are during the rest of the year, so keeping up with snow removal and ice remediation to improve traction is especially important.

Weather Monitoring

Any job we undertake involves extensive preparation, but there are added layers of preparation that take place during the winter. We’re typically looking at the weather several days out in addition to monitoring conditions day-to-day, or even hour-to-hour. Heavy snowfall and high winds can preclude work on-site, and can also change the timing when we clock out for the day, since getting our employees home safe and sound is also a high priority.

Proper PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is even more important — and a bit more extensive — in the winter than at other times of year. In addition to grip and anti-slip properties, items like boots and gloves need to insulate against colder temperatures, water, and the possibility of frostbite, and hard hats should have an insulated lining for warmth. Reflective vests are helpful, since the lower light and shorter days can make for poor visibility. And in order to prevent decreased vision, face masks, goggles, and safety glasses should be treated with an anti-fog coating.

Other Safety Aids 

Emergencies can come up at any time of year, but wintertime comes with its own set of challenges. Your worksite and work vehicles should have a number of emergency kits in stock, with each including essentials like shovels, scrapers, first aid, flashlights, tow equipment, and jumper cables. We also suggest having additional hats and gloves on hand, since they can wear out or go missing unexpectedly.

Proper Employee Care 

Caring for your employees and ensuring their safety goes beyond a well-stocked first aid kit and good PPE. It’s also furnishing break spaces that are warm and dry, ensuring that everyone’s well-fed and hydrated, and also keeping a close eye on coffee consumption. While it helps with alertness and a feeling of warmth, it can raise blood pressure and won’t protect against low temperatures.

Working With American Aerial Services 

American Aerial Services calls Maine home. We know what winter looks like around Portland and Falmouth, and the additional hazards it brings. But we also have the experience and diligence to make it work — we take safety seriously year round, and we undertake the additional planning to mitigate those hazards. We’ll help you maintain productivity without sacrificing safety, no matter what time of year or what the weather brings. Get in touch today!