Posted By:Infra Bazaar
Workers in cold climate could be exposed to serious health problems such as trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. In certain instances, workers exposed to severe weather without personal protection equipment can also suffer shock that could lead to death. Operators under cold or frost weather might show some signs as free shivering, said speech, and erratic behaviour. If you see someone with at least one of these symptoms, call for urgency help.
Here you will find some tips and general advice on how to keep your building crews warm during the winter period.
How to protect Construction Workers in Cold Weather OSHA’s cold stress card can serve as a reference guide to combat and prevent sickness or injuries related to Cold Weather, The reference card has some helpful tips and here are a few more:
• Beware of the environmental conditions and the expected forecast for the day that could present some problems to your construction workers.
• Know the signs and sign of cold-related illness and wounds.
• Train your workers about these weather injuries and how to protect from them.
• Give or encourage construction workers to wear appropriate clothing, including the possibility of wearing layers that could be adjusted to various weather conditions.
• Give little breaks in warm conditions allowing workers to warm up their bodies, or to dry their uniforms.
• Schedule work for the warmest part of the day. Moving the daily work hours to hottest hours or when the sun is at its maximum exposure.
• Try to assign works to at least a pair of coworkers, so that anyone of them can be aware of the other.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. It is recommended to replenish your body with sugar water, or regular sports drinks.
• Follow medical advice if you are under medical advice or taking any other designated medicine.
Clothing and Layering Required for Construction Workers during winter
Emergency clothing is needed when work is expected to be executed at or below 4 degrees. Fit clothing should be selected to provide warmth and remain comfortable during performing any kind of activity at the place where the job is scheduled. Wearing proper clothing will reduce the chances of excessive sweating thus reducing the risk of a possible injury.
• When possible wear multiple layers instead of a single panel.
• The inner layer must provide insulation and be able to repel rain from the skin.
• Warm underwear from polyester is recommended.
• Outer layers should be easily detachable.
• The outer layer must be tight.
• If possible, a wool cap or a liner under a hard hat can reduce excessive heat loss.
• Remove snow before entering a warm shade.
• Gloves should be used when the temperature is below 4 degrees
• Avoid cotton cloth because it tends to get damp or wet.
What Type of Footwear Should a Worker Wear During Winter?
Operators in cold climate also need to wear fit footwear protection.
When the work involves working in water, waterproof boots must be worn. Leather boots can be treated and waterproofed with special products that do not block the pores in the boot surface. The best-suited shoes are leather-topped boots with removable felt insoles.
Types of Socks a Building worker should wear to Stay Warm
Using one or two pairs of thick socks is recommended if you want to protect your shoes. Having extra socks are preferred because socks tend to get damp during the day. The external sock should be a bigger size than the internal sock, to avoid extra concentration.
What about Equipment Design and Tools
Extra caution is also prefered on metal handlebars and tools that must be operated in cold weather. Metal arms and bars should be covered with the warm insulated body. Devices, tools, and equipment, in general, must be designed so they can be operated with proper grip using mittens or gloves.
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