The construction industry works non-stop. You’ll often see construction workers on sites that are open 24 hours per day, working long, cold, dark hours overnight during winter, and not just during the warmer summer months. They often face harsh weather conditions, rain, wind, sleet, snow, and these conditions can often add extra challenges and dangerous elements to an already inherently dangerous workplace in terms of the site layout, equipment and machinery, and other potential hazards. Working out safe working practices for your construction site is vital, and this includes emergency procedures, training for all contractors on site, and safe working practice involving your plant lease company.
The weather is usually pretty bad in the UK for a few months, with the wind, rain and cold coming in from November until March most years. There are bad weather conditions of some kind all year around though, so it is best to be as prepared as possible. The majority of the guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) relates to warmer times of the year, so what are the tips you can put in place to help increase safety standards on a winter construction site?
Make a safety plan
Before you begin the work, it is important that you completely evaluate the site completely and look for all the challenges that might present in terms of health and safety. This should include absolutely everything that you can think of, from supplier and delivery of materials and equipment, to personnel training, and the challenges of working on site, including working safely at height and other potential hazards.
Clear the potential hazards
Clear the area of any potential hazards, which during wintertime can include snow and ice that need to be cleared to provide safe walkways. You should also check for any trees or power lines that may have been damaged or fallen down due to high winds or other problems related to the wintry weather.
Make sure the paths and roads are safe
Put salt down on paths and roads where vehicles, contractors, and delivery people will be walking and driving. You should place signs warning of the hazards of black ice. Cordon off areas and clearly sign where there are potential problems until they are sorted. Pedestrian barriers clearly mark safe areas and keep pedestrians safe.
Make sure the lighting is bright
In the summer you might not need much lighting on a construction site, but during the winter months when the days are naturally shorter and the light isn’t as bright, it is important to have good site lighting. Good lighting is used to highlight working areas and to ensure that pathways are fully lit and feel safe even when it is dark.
Provide shelter
Portable heaters and mobile welfare units are important during the winter months. Your contractors need somewhere warm where they can take breaks, eat warm meals, and stay out of the cold for a bit. This helps to keep morale as high amongst contractors as possible on the most challenging of wintry construction sites.
Work with a trusted plant hire company
One of the best things that you can do when planning the safety aspects of your construction site this winter is to work with a trusted plant lease company. A good plant hire company has the experience and knowledge to assist you in choosing the correct plant hire machinery and equipment for your needs, as well as offering the very latest and safest models. This all helps you to make and maintain high standards of health and safety.
