How to Stay Warm on Winter Construction Jobs

 

When temperatures drop, it can take a toll on your machines and your crew. In order to avoid equipment issues, unsafe working conditions, and project delays, it’s important to put the proper precautions in place. In this article, we highlight some key tips and best practices for keeping your team warm and your machines operating at their best during winter construction.

Prepare your equipment for the cold

If your machines aren’t ready for winter construction work, then you’re going to have trouble completing the job. Here are the steps you can take to combat the cold:

• Air filters: Inspect these filters regularly to ensure that snow and ice aren’t blocking any airways. It’s also important to replace old, worn out cab air filters to improve your heater’s effectiveness.
• Radiator: To help your engine warm up and reach operating temperature faster, we recommend covering the radiator intake when you first start up your machine. To reduce the chance of engine damage, don’t begin working until it has reached the correct temperature.
• Engine block: When the temperature is going to dip below freezing overnight, it’s a good idea to use engine block heaters. They will prevent your oil, coolant, and other fluids from becoming too cold and thickening, which can make it difficult for your engine to start and run properly.

Ensure your crew wears the correct gear

If your team isn’t warm enough, then they can’t work as effectively. Make sure they are wearing the following types of clothing during winter construction jobs:

• Coveralls: Thermal, insulated coveralls are necessary for working outside during the cold months. They allow the full range of motion while holding in the maximum amount of body heat possible.
• Helmet liners: Designed to be worn underneath a hard hat, liners help protect your head and neck from the cold and wind and retain more heat. We recommend wearing fleece lined fabric options, because they provide the most comfort and insulation. Always have spare helmet liners on hand and wash them regularly for the best performance.
• Gloves: For winter construction jobs, you want to choose gloves that are waterproof, include a removable liner so you can add or remove insulation as needed, and that allow sufficient dexterity and movement.
• Thermal socks and insulated boots: Throughout the workday, cold surfaces will take their toll on your feet and can reduce your overall core body temperature. Wear double layer socks and boots designed for freezing conditions.

Heat up the jobsite

In addition to keeping your equipment warm and wearing the proper gear, you should also implement ground barriers and portable heaters on your worksites.

• Ground barriers: It’s a good idea to add mats, plywood, or other types of material on top of outdoor surfaces during winter construction. These barriers serve as insulation and will help minimize the amount of body heat lost to the cold ground.
• Portable heaters: Using heaters wherever possible on your jobsite will help your workers stay warmer, avoid cold related injuries, and be more productive.

Watch for signs of cold related health problems

Conditions like hypothermia and frost bite can be very dangerous and even life threatening if the proper steps aren’t taken quickly. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

Hypothermia

• The body stops shivering
• Breath becomes shallow and slow
• Victim will suffer from memory loss and confusion as well as exhaustion
• Speech may become mumbled and slurred
• Extremities will lose coordination causing stumbling and fumbling
• Pulse will slow down and become weak
• In severe cases unconsciousness can follow without breathing or a pulse

Frost Bite

Initial signs of frostbitten skin include:

• A change in color to white, grey-yellow, or dark and black
• A texture that is hard and waxy feeling
• Numbness
• Blisters

During rewarming and healing the skin may:

• Swell and become painful
• Burn and itch

Skin damaged by frostbite can suffer from long term numbness. In some cases, the tissue dies requiring removal of the body part.

For more winter construction tips, contact our team today!