Safety winter tips for on and off the jobsite

Working in the construction industry in the wintertime can come with its fair share of risks. In cold weather, simple tasks like driving, walking and working outdoors can be deadly. Here are some tips on how you can prevent incidents and stay safe this winter while working outdoors in the elements.

Chances are your jobsite looks a little different in the winter. Even without snow or sleet, cold weather can be dangerous. If you’re working as part of an outdoor crew, there are a few precautions you can take to prevent cold-weather injuries and illnesses:

• Limit your time outdoors and take frequent breaks to warm up
• Wear several layers of loose clothing when working outdoors
• Wear synthetic fabrics, and waterproof or water-repellant clothing
• Cover your ears, face, hands and feet
• Put a liner in your hard hat that will keep you warm and prevent heat from escaping
• Wear an extra pair of socks since the metal in steel-toed boots acts as a cold sink
• Work in pairs or with a buddy to ensure each other’s safety
• Drink warm, non-alcoholic and caffeine-free liquids

Knowing the signs and symptoms of the most common cold-weather injuries and illnesses can help you stay safe while also protecting your coworkers.

Prevent frostbite and hypothermia

Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent tissue damage or even amputation. With frostbite, the skin gets very cold, then numb, hard and pale. You may feel a pins and needles sensation. The area becomes very cold and turns white or yellowish grey. Frostbite is most common in fingers, toes, ears, nose and cheeks. If you notice frostbite, proceed immediately to the nearest hospital emergency room.

If you’re spending time outside with your family, know that children are at greater risk for frostnip and frostbite than adults, and the best way to prevent it is to make sure they're dressed warmly and don't spend too much time in extreme weather.

Frostnip is an early warning sign of the onset of frostbite. It leaves the skin red and numb or tingly. After bringing your child inside, remove all wet clothing because it draws heat from the body. Immerse the chilled body parts in warm (not hot) water—104-108°F (40-42°C)—until they are able to feel sensation again.

Hypothermia occurs when the body’s temperature dips below 95 degrees due to cold exposure. Signs of hypothermia include severe shivering, slurred speech, shallow breathing, clumsiness and drowsiness.

Driving safely in winter

Whether you’re driving your personal car, a company car or you manage a fleet, winter driving carries great risks. That’s why you should always have an emergency toolkit in your vehicle that includes a flashlight and extra batteries, flares, matches in a waterproof container, cell phone charger, shovel, and warm clothing, cold weather gloves and blankets.

While these supplies are helpful in an emergency, there are a few steps you can take to better prepare yourself for winter driving:

• Check the weather forecast and traffic conditions before driving
• Tell a family member or friend about your travel plans and arrival time
• Check the tire pressure and tread on your tires
• Check your wiper blades and replace if needed
• Keep your gas tank at least half full
• Warm up your car in an open-air space
• Use an ice scraper or snow brush to clear your car
• Once driving, go slow and keep your distance from other vehicles
• Pull over and stop in a safe area to use your phone for texting, email and calls

Avoid slips and falls when walking

Driving in cold weather is only half the battle. If you’re working on a jobsite, you’re going to be walking in inclement weather as well, which can pose serious hazards.

To avoid slipping on snow or ice, wear insulated, water-resistant boots with good rubber soles. When walking, keep your hands free for balance and stay on treated, flat sidewalks when possible.

Putting Care for Life into Action

At Skanska, we live our Care for Life value every day, which includes ensuring our employees are working safely working during winter. I’m proud to work for a company that is leading our industry in terms of safety, and that makes the health and wellbeing of our employees, their family and loved ones a non-negotiable core value.