Lucky for us, the midwest has had a relatively mild winter so far! Winter weather can be a huge roadblock when it comes to making progress on construction projects. Despite being in the heart of cold winters, Gana Trucking & Excavating works year-round — no matter the weather. It’s not always easy. Here are some factors that we run into when working in the winter as well as some winter safety tips for construction workers…
Winter Roadblocks for Construction
- Dealing with Frozen Ground
- Ground freeze can go as far down as 12 inches deep during cold weather. This can be a major setback when working on construction projects that need earthwork and digging. Even heavy equipment that is built to be strong and tough have a hard time cutting through solid ground. However, there are some solutions to combating freezing temps like ground thaw machines, insulation blankets, and antifreeze concrete components.
- Time is Money
- Road building, bridge building, and other priority construction projects have to continue despite the winter. Progress may slow down due to weather challenges and workers’ safety. With this in mind, construction companies have to be aware that projects will be delayed. These setbacks need to be accounted for in the budget. Snow removal, clean-up, and warm-up sessions can all take away precious time while on the clock as well.
- Cold-Sensitive Components
- Construction during winter can make projects complicated because of temperature-sensitive tasks. Once you get past the earthwork and to the actual construction of a structure, you’ll run into issues with laying concrete, spraying insulation, or manipulating wire casings. Waiting until you get warmer temperatures or waiting to heat a unit, will only delay the project.
Construction Dangers in Winter Weather
The work doesn’t stop just because it’s cold. Plenty of construction workers brave the cold, but it can still have a negative effect on the body. Cold weather causes our muscles to contract and lose heat, which makes your muscles and joints tight and stiff. All in all, here are some dangers in winter weather: skin and tissue damage, increased soreness, muscle tears and strains, coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation in the airways.
As hard as you may try to combat the cold, there will always be the danger of work injuries. In 2017, there were over 20,000 ice, sleet, and snow-related injuries in New York alone. Workers must be extra cautious of slips, falls, or trips and not overexerting the body.
How to Stay Safe During the Winter
There are a number of safety hazards that construction workers face on a daily basis, but when you add winter weather on top of that, it gets even more complicated. Workers will have to protect themselves from cold temperatures, snowy and icy surfaces, and high winds. Here are some tips to help you minimize your workplace accidents…
- Know the Signs of Winter-Related Injuries and Illness
- Being exposed to the harsh elements can lead to severe health complications like hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot. It’s crucial that employees are aware of these kinds of injuries and what to watch out for when working in the field.
- Keep an Eye on the Weather
- Nebraska weather is unpredictable, but it’s important that you keep an eye on the forecasts. The work won’t get done in blizzards or storms, so don’t venture out in those conditions. If you’re worried that the weather may turn worse, routinely check your local weather and the National Weather Service and have a safety plan in place if you must act quickly.
- Take Your Time
- Slick surfaces are not your friend. The best way to make sure you stay on your own two feet is by taking your time and watching where you are going. Avoid ice when you see it, don’t carry too heavy of loads, use hand railings, and take short steps.
- Wear the Right Clothing and Gear
- Wearing the right clothing and gear will majorly help prevent winter injuries and illnesses. It’s best practice to dress in layers with an insulating, moisture-wicking base layer and a waterproof outer layer. Wearing boots, socks, hats, and gloves are always recommended in cold weather as well.
- Take Breaks
- When the conditions are unfavorable, it’s important to limit your time in the cold and wind. If you feel parts of your body start to go numb or have continuous shivers, take a break in a heated area.
Closing Thoughts
Winter weather brings unique challenges when it comes to construction. We hope these tips will help you face winter head-on!
Gana Trucking & Excavating is committed to working year-round, which means that we’re always hiring. If you’re interested in learning more about our company, please call us at 402-794-5000.
