Safely through the winter: Five essential measures for construction sites
With the onset of winter, trade businesses face particular challenges. Freezing temperatures, icy surfaces and short periods of daylight make it necessary to take specific measures to ensure safety on construction sites and keep operations running smoothly.
Snowfall often covers dangerous areas such as skylight domes or corrugated sheets, which significantly increases the risks for employees. Well thought-out preventative measures play a decisive role in the cold season. This article shows how construction sites can be optimally prepared for winter and which steps are particularly important.
1. consistently reduce slipperiness and fall hazards
Snow and ice can quickly turn traffic routes and work areas into dangerous slippery surfaces. Regular clearing of snow and gritting with de-icing materials such as grit or sand are therefore essential. Scaffolding, stairs and walkways should also be cleared of snow and ice to increase safety at work. In addition, corrugated sheets or glass roofs in particular, which may be covered by snow, must be marked and secured.
2. optimally adapt working conditions to the cold
Efficient work in winter requires adapted working conditions. Sufficient lighting is essential for this. Traffic routes and workstations should be well lit. It is also important to clean dirty or icy spotlights regularly so that they can perform to their full potential.
Break rooms are also an important place to retreat to in winter. They should be heated and offer enough space for relaxing breaks. In addition, drying rooms can be set up so that wet clothing can be dried. Hygienic sanitary facilities, ideally with heating and hand washing facilities, also contribute to well-being and promote productivity.
3. adapt protective equipment to the cold season
In winter, personal protective equipment plays a crucial role in the health and safety of employees. This is because weatherproof clothing protects against the elements and helps to prevent hypothermia. For example, special winter gloves are also recommended for outdoor work due to the weather.
Safety shoes with non-slip soles also offer a firm grip on icy surfaces. It is advisable to choose slightly larger shoes so that thick socks can be worn without constricting the foot. Special helmets with insulating inserts are ideal for head protection.
4. communication as a safety factor
Safety measures are only effective if everyone involved is aware of them and they are implemented consistently. Open and transparent communication is therefore essential. For this reason, regular training courses should be practical and focus on dialog with employees. This makes risks tangible and increases awareness of dangers.
Posters or digital notices on monitors can also support the safety messages. These should provide clear and memorable information and be continuously updated. Managers act as role models here: their active role in preventive communication on occupational health and safety motivates the entire team and creates a culture of mindfulness.
5. train managers for the winter
Managers bear a central responsibility for the safety of their employees. Their task begins with the planning of suitable measures and continues with daily implementation. It is therefore important that they receive comprehensive training. Instead of one-off seminars, ongoing training courses and workshops are needed that specifically address the challenges of winter.
Joint meetings between managers, safety officers, the occupational safety specialist or the health and safety coordinator, if applicable, and the workforce are suitable for exchanging experiences, allowing successful measures to be identified and improved. Company meetings can also be used to discuss new prevention strategies. This approach not only strengthens safety awareness, but also promotes team cohesion.
Well prepared for the cold season
The challenges of winter require careful preparation and consistent implementation of protective measures. Skilled trades businesses that counter slipperiness, darkness and icy temperatures with well thought-out concepts not only create a safer working environment, but also increase employee satisfaction.
Integrating the measures described into everyday operations will ensure that everything runs smoothly, even in the cold season.
About Stefan Ganzke and WandelWerker Consulting GmbH:
Together with Anna Ganzke, Stefan Ganzke is the founder and managing director of WandelWerker Consulting GmbH. Together with their team, the two support medium-sized companies and corporations in continuously and sustainably reducing accidents at work and developing an active occupational health and safety organization. Further information is available at https://www.wandelwerker.com
