As every New Yorker knows, construction in the city never stops, and with temperatures finally dropping this December, that means a lot of construction workers are out in the cold. Unfortunately, cold weather presents significant safety concerns for all outdoor workers, particularly those in the construction industry.
Construction companies need to prioritize safety in every season
General contractors, subcontractors, site owners, and others involved in construction management need to prioritize safety, especially in cold weather. When they don’t, workers can be badly injured. Here’s what New York construction workers need to know about staying safe during winter projects.
Make sure gear is purpose-built for both cold and physical safety
One of the biggest safety challenges in the winter is the need to keep warm and wear other types of safety gear. For example, wearing a hood or beanie under a hard hat may help keep the worker warm, but it can also increase the risk that the hard hat will slip off or slide out of place, which can be incredibly dangerous if the worker falls down or is hit by a falling object.
The solution is to wear caps and liners that are designed to be worn in tandem with the hard hat or safety helmet in question. A properly fitted cold-weather accessory will still keep the worker warm without compromising their safety in the event of an accident.
Take care of slippery surfaces before they become dangerous
As temperatures drop below freezing, walking surfaces can quickly become covered with black ice. This is an especially dangerous hazard for construction workers because their vision may be partially impeded by safety glasses and other gear, or because they may be carrying construction materials and unable to see where they are stepping.
As such, it becomes even more important to ensure that walking surfaces are clean, dry, and free of hazards. Put down salt to melt ice and sand for traction, remove snow and ice promptly, and regularly inspect the site for slip hazards.
Give workers frequent breaks in warm areas
Outdoor workers in cold weather need a heated break area to warm up and get relief from the conditions. If it’s necessary to set up a trailer or tent with temporary heaters, management should make sure supervisors know how to operate those heaters properly and safely.
Supervisors should know the warning signs of winter-related illnesses
In very cold conditions, workers are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot. Supervisors need to know the warning signs of those conditions, such as shivering, slurred speech, clumsiness, and loss of coordination. Remember, a worker who is suffering from hypothermia is not only at risk of permanent harm from the condition itself but also at a greatly elevated risk of causing an accident. If there are any warning signs of a cold-related illness, the worker needs medical attention immediately.
Our law firm fights for injured construction workers in NYC
When construction workers get hurt on the job, the consequences can be devastating. Our law firm is proud to fight for accountability and full compensation for injured workers. We have a strong track record of results, including a combined $6 million settlement for three workers who were injured in a crane collapse.
If you’ve been hurt on the job site in New York City, our law firm will fight for you. Give us a call or contact us online for a free consultation with Keogh Crispi, P.C.
"Pat was very transparent and responsive to any of my questions or concerns throughout the whole process. He is very professional with his work & I would highly recommend." — Salvatore G., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐