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Tips for working safely and productive when working in hot, cold, or wet conditions.
Construction sites can be a dangerous place to work, especially when the weather is not on your side. Working safely should always be a priority on site but even more so in extreme weather conditions such as rain, wind or snow where accidents and injuries are more likely to occur.
The UK weather is changeable to say the least and in recent years we are experiencing an increase in extreme weather, from severe heat, to gale force winds and huge volumes of rain. Research from the Met Office’s annual global temperature forecast published in December 2022, predicted that 2023 “will be one of the Earth’s hottest years on record.” June 2023 has already seen some of the hottest days of the year so far with temperatures regularly in the high twenties. In addition, extreme rainfall, similar to that which we’ve experienced in recent years, is directly attributed to the effects from global warming.
Wind, rain, heat and even severe cold snaps can highlight and exaggerate the existing risks posed when working on construction sites, and therefore it’s essential to take precautions and be prepared rapidly changing weather conditions. Britain’s weather is famously unreliable and interchanging after all!
In this blog, we will explore some tips for staying safe in all weathers on site to help you and your teams stay safe and avoid potential weather-related hazards, so you can focus on getting the job done efficiently and safely.
Tips for working safely onsite
Working outside on a construction site can be challenging, particularly during hot summer months. It’s essential to look at and re-evaluate health and safety procedures and policies while working in the sun to prevent serious health issues such as heat exhaustion, sunburn, and of course, long term, skin cancer.
By not following simple guidelines for working in extreme weather conditions, you risk the health of yourself and/or your workers which could lead to long-term sick leave and the delay in client projects.
- Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to severe dehydration, fatigue, and other symptoms that can significantly impact the ability to work. In the heat of the UK sun, it can be tempting to work without t-shirts or hats, but it’s crucial to take necessary precautions such as wearing protective clothing, staying hydrated, and taking regular breaks in shaded areas, and encouraging your team to do the same.
- High winds can drastically increase the risk of accident or injury when working on construction sites, especially at height. Consider prioritising jobs dependent on the weather, for example the higher risk jobs should be, where possible, avoided in strong winds to preserve the safety of yourself, your team and the project itself. Ensure anything that can ‘blow’ in the wind is secured e.g. dangling electrical cables, and any suspended fixtures are securely fixed.
- Working on site in driving rain can be extremely challenging. Heavy downpours can create slippery surfaces, making it notoriously difficult to keep your footing while moving around the site. The rain can also cause visibility issues, making it harder to see and avoid potential hazards. Additionally, working in wet conditions can increase the risk of electrical hazards…. it goes without saying that rain and electricity together is not a good combination, and this can occur when working with exposed wires or power tools. Taking extra precautions when working in the rain, such as wearing appropriate safety gear like non-slip boots and waterproof clothing, and avoiding working in areas prone to flooding, is essential.
- Similarly, although snow is not a common occurrence here in the South. Working on a construction site during snowy weather conditions can be a gruelling experience. The cold temperatures combined with icy and slippery surfaces can make it difficult to move and work efficiently. Furthermore, snow can cover up any potential hazards on the site, making it harder to spot them and avoid accidents. However, there are ways to stay safe and productive while working in these conditions, some of these include: wearing appropriate clothing such as thermal layers, gloves, and waterproof boots, taking regular breaks to warm up indoors, and regularly clearing snow from walkways and work areas to prevent slips and falls. It’s also essential to exercise caution when using heavy machinery and to take extra precautions when working at heights, such as using safety harnesses and ladders with slip-resistant rubber feet.
The pressure to stay on schedule through all weathers
For construction or project managers, staying on schedule generally is a high-pressure business. However, when you add extreme weather into the mix and the unreliable, inter-changing English weather, that pressure can be heightened. At Edge Building Products, we understand that deadlines change, the schedule may be altered with the weather forecast in mind and so, we are proud to be able to provide a number of services to help ease the pressures of the job. These include:
- Onsite advice and assistance with scheduling based on knowledge of our suppliers.
- Next day delivery when orders are placed before 3pm (South East only).
- Convenient opening times to fit around last-minute changes of plan (7 am – 4:30 pm).
In conclusion, whilst working on construction sites carries a daily and standard level of risk, when extreme weather conditions like heat, cold, snow, rain or wind are added into the mix, the importance of working safely dramatically increases.
By ensuring you have a weather dependent safety procedure for those working onsite which outlines advice for individuals such as the tips we’ve mentioned above, you will be minimising the risks of accident. Visit the HSE page to find out how to care for your staff on site.
Through following this yourself, working together and looking out for your team members, you can continue working safely and efficiently focusing on doing what you do best and completing the job efficiently, despite challenging weather conditions.
13th June 2023