Outdoor Construction Worker Safety

Posted on 06/22 by Erin Helms

Construction workers work outside, which means weather conditions are a significant factor in the safety of your employees. Outdoor construction workers endure exposure to many hazards depending on the type of work, geographic region, season and duration of time spent outside. Four significant dangers for construction workers include strong winds, temperature, lightning, and heavy rain.

Strong Wind

Strong wind's most significant safety hazard is people and equipment at a height. Cranes and towers can tip, and construction workers are at a high risk of falling if they lack a harness to protect them. There is also the risk of roof tiles and other debris hitting workers. Strong wind can irritate the eyes and make it difficult to hear. To keep workers safe in the wind, do the following: Ensure workers use a harness when working at heights. Secure scaffolding and make sure temporary structures are secured. Wear eye protection. Ensure hard hats are secure. Do not use cranes or hoisting equipment during high winds.

Temperature

Extremes of temperature increase the probability of an accident. Both hot and cold temperatures can be dangerous for construction workers, with threats like dehydration, sunstroke, frostbite and slipping hazards. Follow these tips when you and your team are working in extreme heat: Drink water frequently Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing Gradually build up to heavy work Take frequent breaks Eat a light lunch Be alert to signs of heat exhaustion Check urine frequency and color Construction work does not stop in cold weather, so it is crucial to understand the steps you can take to keep your team safe. Inspect and clear your job site of any ice. Provide all workers with PPE and a heated shelter for breaks. Have your team members layer on their clothing. Warm up all equipment and tools before using them.

Lightning

Metal is abundant at a construction site, making the lightning risk very real. The trouble is particularly significant for high-up objects such as cranes and scaffolding. These objects act as conductors and can cause electrocution, fires or explosions. Worse still, heavy rain and high wind typically accompany lightning. To keep safe, stay away from metal objects, equipment and surfaces that conduct electricity. Avoid sheltering in sheds, pavilions, tents or covered porches. These structures do not provide sufficient protection from lightning. Seek fully-enclosed, substantial buildings for protection.

Heavy Rain

Rain is unpleasant to work in, and it can also be dangerous. Heavy rains reduce visibility for construction site drivers and turn the ground into mud, posing safety risks for site workers. Flash floods can occur with little warning, and fast-moving, deep water threatens life. Do the following to stay safe: Wear the appropriate rain gear Use proper hand protection Use fall protection equipment Assess the potential hazards of tools and equipment on your job site Ensure visibility Use traffic and safety equipment Have a plan for emergencies If you need to augment your construction crew to complete a project, LaborMAX can help! LaborMAX can provide you with skilled construction professionals like carpenters, heavy equipment operators, electricians, construction laborers, restoration workers and remodelers.

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