Construction sites are among the riskiest workplaces at any time of the year. In winter, the freezing temperatures, strong winds, and wet conditions can increase the risks many times over. What’s more, accidents that occur in winter are more likely to have harsher consequences for several reasons. Emergency services may take longer to reach the site because of unfavourable road or weather conditions. Injuries take longer to heal in winter. Taking precautions to ensure every worker’s safety is important all year round, particularly in winter.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the more common injuries related to construction sites in winter and how to minimise the risks.
Cold-Related Illnesses & Injuries
Working outdoors for long periods in extremely cold temperatures can impact a person in a number of different ways. This is because, when exposed to low temperatures, the body uses up heat and energy faster than it can be produced, depleting valuable energy reserves. The wet weather exacerbates cold-related dangers.
Construction workers working on outdoor sites in winter are at risk of developing serious health issues. Cold stress, hypothermia, frostbite, chilblains, and trench foot are all too common and all are equally dangerous. Even before these extreme conditions set in, workers often experience shivering, fatigue, and loss of coordination, making them less alert. Without the proper intervention at this point, confusion and disorientation sets in, which increase the risk of injuries.
Wearing adequate winter clothing, taking breaks to get indoors and warm up, staying active, and staying hydrated are all crucial to combat the adverse effects of cold weather.
Ergonomic Injuries In Winter
Cold weather can significantly affect a worker’s grip strength, flexibility, and overall dexterity, increasing the risk of ergonomic injuries. Tasks that require precision, such as handling tools or materials, can become more challenging as muscles stiffen in low temperatures, leading to strains or accidental slips.
To minimise these risks, workers should use ergonomically designed tools with non-slip grips, wear insulated gloves that maintain flexibility, and take regular breaks in warm areas to keep their hands and muscles functioning properly. Additionally, stretching exercises before starting work can help improve circulation and prevent stiffness, reducing the likelihood of injuries during physically demanding tasks.
Slip & Fall Injuries
The persistent rain in winter leaves walking surfaces constantly damp, sludgy, and slippery, increasing the risk of slip and fall accidents. Fallen leaves can make for an unexpected hazard as they start decaying if left on the ground, resulting in slick patches. Low-light conditions in winter add to the risks.
Slips, trips, and falls can result in injuries ranging from mild sprains, strains, and bruises to serious abrasions, cracked ribs, broken limbs, serious back injuries, fractures, and trauma to the brain.
While it may be difficult to eliminate slips and falls completely in winter, there are several things that can be done to minimise the risks. Wearing non-slip winter boots and taking small steps while walking on slick surfaces are just two precautionary measures that can lower the incidence of slips and falls. Spreading sand over a slippery surface can also help by increasing traction.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Most carbon monoxide deaths occur during the winter months. Unfortunately, not much attention is given to the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning on construction sites.
Carbon monoxide is largely missed because it is odourless, colourless, and difficult to detect, but this doesn’t make it any less dangerous. Inhaling even small amounts of CO can induce symptoms such as nausea, headaches, fatigue, and confusion. Inhaling large amounts of this toxic gas can cause brain damage and death.
On construction sites, carbon monoxide is commonly generated by:
- Portable generators running on petrol, diesel or Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG).
- Gas-powered or oil-fired heaters, commonly used in temporary site shelters.
- Petrol or diesel-powered vehicles, especially if used indoors or in confined spaces.
- Welding equipment which can produce CO if used improperly or in enclosed areas.
- Compressed air tools powered by petrol or diesel.
When renovating existing buildings, CO may be generated when ventilation systems or gas flues get disrupted.
Ensuring adequate ventilation, avoiding the use of petrol/diesel-powered equipment in enclosed spaces, and switching to safer alternatives such as electric tools are key to reducing CO poisoning on building sites. Using carbon monoxide detectors can help eliminate this risk.
Burn Injuries
When temperatures drop too low, the temptation to warm the area using large heaters or by lighting a bonfire may be too appealing to resist. However, construction sites usually have lots of flammable materials present, from timber off-cuts, flammable gases and packing materials to paints and thinners. A small spark can quickly becoming a raging fire, posing a huge risk of burn injuries to the workers on site and to the infrastructure as well.
Being extra cautious around all heat sources is the single best way to avoid fires on construction sites. Good housekeeping comes a close second. It’s just as important to ensure that suitable and sufficient fire extinguishers are available and easily accessible on site to contain small fires before they get out of control.
Tips To Prevent Injuries On Construction Sites In Winter
While there are specific measures for reducing the risks of different types of injuries, these general precautionary measures go a long way in making construction sites safer overall:
- Wear winter-appropriate layered clothing, thermal gloves and socks, and waterproof work boots.
- Wear a hard hat with a helmet liner to minimise body heat from the heat while also keeping ears and sides of the face warm.
- Stay hydrated – avoid coffee and alcohol.
- Stay active to prevent your body heat from dropping too much.
- When working outdoors for prolonged periods, make sure to take regular breaks and get inside to a warm space to raise your body temperature.
- Ensure the site is well lit to compensate for the naturally low light conditions.
- Beware of exposed metal that can absorb body heat quickly, causing it to get stuck to bare skin and resulting in painful frostbite injury.
- Take small steps when walking over slippery surfaces.
- Ensure adequate ventilation when working with petrol/diesel-powered equipment in enclosed spaces.
Despite all precautionary measures, construction accidents can happen at any time. Make sure there is a fully-stocked first-aid kit on site so in case of any eventuality, emergency treatment can be administered quickly before the ambulance arrives.