Cold Weather Safety for Construction Workers

During cold weather, construction work requires special consideration. Weather extremes, such as high winds, cold temperatures, ice, snow, sleet and freezing rain, present potential hazards to workers.

General

• Have you identified tasks that involve exposure to cold?
• Is training provided for workers on the proper use of protective clothing and equipment, and the precautions to take during cold weather construction?
• Have workers been trained to recognize the signs of frostnip, frostbite and hypothermia?
• Do workers understand that alcohol and drugs may increase the risk of hypothermia?
• Do workers know how to administer first aid for frostnip, frostbite and hypothermia?
• Are first aid supplies and equipment readily available?
• Are emergency telephone numbers for medical help kept in a handy place?
• Are area weather reports monitored on a regular basis?
• Are tool and equipment areas kept clear of snow, ice or mud accumulations to allow ready access to workers?
• During inclement weather, are all access roads kept clear and opened?

Work Practices

• Are temperature and wind controls used as much as possible?
• Are portable heaters used, where feasible?
• Do workers wear the required protective clothing and equipment for the job?
• Do workers wear waterproof boots during wet conditions?
• Do workers periodically check their fingers, toes, ears, nose tip and cheeks to detect numb or hard areas that might indicate frostbite?
• Do workers use the buddy system to recognize signs of frostbite and hypothermia in each other?
• Are job assignments rotated during cold weather to lessen worker exposure to the cold?
• Are warm sheds, trailers or vans provided, so workers can take breaks and warm up?
• Are there plenty of warm liquids (soup, broth, coffee or tea) readily available for workers on the job site to avoid dehydration?

COPYRIGHT ©2001, ISO Services Properties, Inc.