From rain and wind to sun and snow, construction crews face a wide range of weather conditions over the course of a year. Although adverse weather increases the potential for hazards and incidents on job sites, you can implement these proactive safety measures to protect construction workers and equipment in the event of adverse conditions.
1) Weather Watch
Check forecasts regularly and schedule less prone-risk work during adverse weather. Establish a system for ongoing weather monitoring so your team can anticipate condition changes and adjust their work accordingly. Ensure crews understand protocols for securing the worksite and seeking shelter in case of sudden adverse weather.
2) The Right Gear
No matter the weather, having the right PPE on hand is the difference between safety and disaster. UV-protective clothing and eyewear are critical to help protect from UV damage and heat stress on sunny days. Non-slip footwear and hi-vis rain gear are crucial for extreme rain conditions and waterproof, insulated gear is a must-have for snowy seasons.
Remember to consult a Bunzl Safety expert for proper crew training on PPE fit and usage.
3) Train for Treatment
Train crew members to recognize and treat weather-related hazards such as heat exhaustion or cold stress. This helps establish a culture of accountability among crew members and ensures worksite health and safety is a shared responsibility.
4) Ready for Anything
Proactively adapting worksites is one way to minimize the risk of weather-related incidents. This includes securing materials and machinery that could be affected by strong winds, establishing temporary shelters for heat/rain relief and ensuring site layout allows easy access to sheltered areas.
5) Emergency Protocols
Development of proper emergency protocols is essential to have a responsive crew in the event of a weather-related emergency. Establish designated safe zones, with clearly defined evacuation routes where crew can seek shelter during extreme adverse weather. Conduct drills to ensure crew members are well prepared and understand their roles in the event of a real-life emergency.
Adverse weather may be unavoidable, but weather-related incidents aren’t! Reach out to your Bunzl Safety rep for products to secure your worksite and protect crew during extreme, adverse weather or visit shopbunzlsafety.ca now!
