Whether you're a professional builder, construction worker, or an experienced DIYer, you must know how to stay safe and healthy while working in challenging weather conditions and environments.

This blog will help you avoid severe injury and unexpected delays during winter projects, keeping you and your team safe and productive throughout the chilly months.

1. Preparing the Construction Site

It's essential to ensure the site is properly prepared before beginning any construction, building, or landscaping work during the winter.

Before beginning any work, complete a site assessment to look for potential hazards. This includes water accumulation, materials prone to damage, and unstable ground. If the floor is slippy, place down sand or grit to prevent slipping.

Then, complete the following:

Place any materials in waterproof shelters to prevent weather damage
Cover tools and supplies with weather-resistant coverings to prevent corrosion
Lay down anti-slip mats or create pathways with good-traction materials to provide safe access for workers
Marks all routes with signage and lighting to enhance visibility during the dark
Use antifreeze products in engines and fuel systems to prevent operational issues
Make sure drainage systems are in place to prevent flooding

2. Ensuring Worker Safety

Keeping your employees and colleagues safe during construction projects is of the utmost importance.

When working in the winter, make sure you wear insulated clothing, sturdy, non-slip boots, and waterproof outerwear. This will ensure you stay warm, productive, and quick in the cold, preventing mistakes from happening. Conduct routine checks to ensure all PPE is fit for purpose.

Take regular breaks in heated shelters and have snacks and warm drinks throughout the day to keep your energy levels up. Dehydration can occur quickly in cold air, so make sure you continue drinking water throughout the day.

For employers, it's important to train your staff on the signs and responses to cold-related illnesses, such as hypothermia and frostbite. Help them recognise symptoms such as shivering, numbness, and confusion and report any concerns for their health.

Employee well-being is also another important factor. Assign team members to monitor workers' fatigue, stress levels, and discomfort throughout the day, stepping in when necessary. The winter months can be hard for those who suffer from depression or anxiety disorders, so offer mental health support to all staff.

3. Planning for Adverse Conditions

Working in the winter can lead to more issues than normal. To ensure the workday runs smoothly, monitor the weather forecast and organise tasks around it.

It's best to create a contingency plan for severe weather, adding alternative tasks that can be completed indoors or off-site. Start shifts earlier so you get the most out of the daylight, and plan for buffer days in project timelines to accommodate potential delays.

In case of an emergency, always stock extra food, blankets, first-aid kits, and thermal clothing. Invest in training courses to educate workers on locating safe zones and responding to flooding, storms, or power outages on-site.

When working during dark hours, it's essential to wear Hi-Vis clothing to enhance worker visibility and ensure everyone is accounted for at all times.

4. Vehicle Safety

To prepare for harsh winds or storms, secure all scaffolding, construction materials, and loose tools to prevent them from lifting. If you're using cranes or elevated platforms, halt their operation during heavy winds to prevent danger to workers.

When using machinery, protect it with antifreeze and fuel additives and perform regular checks on battery performance. Tanks should always be at least half full to avoid condensation buildup.

Always check any tyres, headlights, brake lights, and indicators to ensure they're working properly, and use de-icing tools to clear away any ice and snow. By UK law, the tread depth of tyres must be a minimum of 1.6 mm.

When driving any vehicles on site, remain aware of black ice, particularly in shaded areas or places with less traffic. Use low gears when driving in snow or up slopes, and reduce speeds to avoid skidding the vehicle.

Any vehicles must be equipped with safety kits (extra torches, jump leads, blankets, hi-vis vests, snacks, and water) in case of emergency. For employers, teach vehicle operators how to recognise and address signs of issues, such as sluggish performance or unusual noises.

Browse High-quality Safety and Construction Equipment at Beesley's

At Beesley and Fildes, we offer a wide selection of safety workwear designed to keep builders and construction workers safe in all weather conditions.

This not only protects you from injury, but it also ensures you can perform to your best ability. From waterproof clothing to robust power tools, explore our extensive range today and ensure your team is ready for whatever winter throws their way.