Let it Snow: How winter weather impacts construction

If you live in a climate with harsh winters, you’ll probably notice less construction happening during those cold, snowy months. But does all construction halt at the drop of a snowflake? Here are some dangers of working winter construction jobs and the ways that workers stay safe in dangerous conditions.

Winter construction can be dangerous

The cold weather is not necessarily the worst barrier to completing winter construction projects; there are methods of keeping warm and staying safe in cold weather. But here are some of the other safety concerns with construction work in the wintertime:
  • Strong wind: If winter winds are strong enough, they could possibly topple over construction equipment, power lines, nearby trees, or even the construction crew themselves. Also wind chill makes cold weather feel even colder and increases the likelihood of hypothermia and frostbite.
  • Snow and ice: The accumulation of snow and ice make any surface more dangerous and slippery. Keeping equipment as dry as possible is paramount to the success of any winter construction project.
  • Reduced visibility: Winter weather can decrease visibility in a couple ways. Wind and snow can limit visibility, but nightfall also comes a lot earlier in the wintertime. So there is a finite amount of daylight hours to work with.
If construction has to happen in the wintertime, safety is key. While there are a lot of ways workers can stay safe and warm, sometimes construction managers will have to cut the day short if conditions get too dangerous.

How do construction workers stay safe in wintertime

While winter construction can be challenging, these workers are professionals. Here are some of the ways that construction workers stay safe during harsh winter weather:
  • Gear up: If avoiding the harsh weather isn’t possible and outdoor work has to be completed, then wearing the right gear is essential. Sometimes wearing bulky clothing and gloves can make work more difficult, it is necessary. Protecting your ears, face, feet, and hands are particularly important, so gloves, winter boots, insulated and layered clothing is your key to staying safe.
    • Pro tip: In case your team’s clothes get too damp, keep extra sets of readily usable cold weather gear. These can include a full change of clothes, extra socks, gloves, hats, jacket, blankets, and a thermos of hot coffee or tea.
  • Keep First Aid on deck: Hot packs are your best friend in the wintertime: these little lifesavers can be inserted into your gloves and boots, keeping your hands and feet extra warm. Other useful additions to your construction site’s first aid kit are blister treatment creams, waterproof matches, safety whistle, and knowledge cards for treating hypothermia, frostbite, and snow blindness.
  • Provide a climate-controlled break area: During break time, make sure your team can warm up and get comfortable for a while. A heated trailer on your job site can help keep everyone warm on their break, as well as provide a safe space for workers to attend to any injuries or cold exposure symptoms.
  • Honestly, avoid it if you can: For regions that experience winter weather, construction companies often schedule maintenance and repair jobs for warmer months. But if waiting until summer is not an option, then keep an eye out for winter weather updates and try your best to plan work for the warmer part of the day.
Overall, working construction jobs in the wintertime comes with its own set of risks and dangers; planning construction projects for spring and summertime is definitely ideal. But if winter construction has to be done, be sure to protect yourself and your team properly.

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Whether snow or shine, U.S. Bridge is here to help you bring your construction plans to life. We use the best tools and techniques to build durable and reliable bridges Our prefabricated bridge designs can be adapted and adjusted to meet your unique project needs.
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