WINTER WEATHER SAFETY PLANNING

Published: February 12, 2013

Two big concerns of working or simply spending time outdoors in cold weather are frostbite and hypothermia. Both can occur at much higher temperatures than many people realize. For example, exposed skin can start to freeze at just 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius) and deep frostbite can cause blood clots and even gangrene. Hypothermia is a potentially fatal condition caused by loss of body temperature - even in winter conditions that people might not consider particularly nasty. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, confusion, lightheadedness and profuse sweating. Without medical treatment the victim can lose consciousness and die.

Do you know the signs of frostbite? Your skin will become white and you won't have much circulation. In the worst case, blisters will form but you won't feel any pain. First aid for frostbite is as follows: NEVER rub the frozen part of the body with snow -- Add extra clothing or use a blanket to cover the frozen area, get out of the cold and into a warm location, the frozen area may be immersed in warm water but NEVER use hot water, and if the condition does not improve seek professional medical attention.

Get plenty of rest. Working in the cold and even traveling to and from work in the winter takes lots of energy. Cold weather can strain your heart, even if you aren't overexerting yourself, so be sure to pace yourself.

Tips to help you out on the jobsite:

  1. Employees will need to have a safe pathway to and from their work areas. Employees will also need to have a safe walking/working surface in the immediate work area(s) (i.e. no ice, snow).
  2. Know who will provide snow plowing and salt for the site roads and existing parking lots on the jobsite.
  3. What will be used, sand, ice melt, chemicals, etc? Check with the GC before applying salt, ice melt, chemicals, etc., to concrete finish. If chemicals are to be used, does an RFI need to be sent in for approval? Where will material be stored? Materials readily available? Don’t forget to provide an MSDS for any new chemical used for snow removal.
  4. De-watering of the work area needs to be considered when planning (melting snow, etc).
  5. Areas at top and base of ladders need to be clear of ice and snow. Rungs on ladder should be monitored throughout the day.
  6. Ice on cranes—any ice/icicles that can be easily removed before work begins should be removed before employees are allowed under the booms.
  7. Temporary heaters need to be kept away from flammable materials. All necessary precautions need to be followed to prevent CO from accumulating in enclosed areas. Please review precautions in instruction manuals and/or contact manufacturer. Continuous monitoring and/or a negative exposure assessment may be needed in enclosed/tented areas.
  8. If LP Gas or propane will be brought on site, areas where it will be stored or used will need to be approved by the GC.
  9. Employees need to be aware of the signs of cold stress, including frost bite.
  10. Excavations will need to be monitored more closely due to the freeze/thaw during the day.
  11. Extra attention will need to be paid to inspecting extension cords and GFCI use in wet conditions.
  12. Lighting needs to be considered for dim/off work hours. Will additional light plants be needed? Make sure lights on mobile equipment are working.
  13. Edges of roadway and excavation edges need to be clearly marked and barricaded to prevent accidental entry by equipment or personnel.