Spring Safety Tips for Construction Workers

Most everybody looks forward to spring and the respite from the frigid, icy weather. However, with spring comes some safety hazards for construction workers that they might not think about until disaster strikes. What are some of these hazards and how can construction companies prepare for them? Let’s take a look at some spring safety tips.

The first one is ordinary rainfall. Rain by itself presents the hazard of workers slipping on wet surfaces. This can be detrimental or even fatal if the slipping occurs on a high-rise construction site. A way of preventing this is to wear slip-resistant boots at all times, especially during the rainy season. Not only is rain a safety issue, but when it is mixed with dirt or sand it can produce mud. The dangers of slipping on mud exceed those of slipping on wet surfaces. Additionally, muddy boots can cause workers to slide and fall when climbing up onto mobile equipment such as bulldozers or cranes. Be sure to remove any mud from your boots prior to ascending onto equipment or construction site surfaces. It is a good idea to wipe mud off of your gloves as well to make certain you can get a good grip on the equipment.

Another safety issue that can be caused by spring rain and resulting mud is that it can make slopes more difficult to maneuver. This is something to watch out for when operating machinery. It is possible for your machine to slide and go careening down the slope onto the ground below. There could be serious injuries to the operator as well as workers on the ground who did not see it coming toward them. It is a good idea to make sure other workers stay clear of machinery as much as they can. Machine operators should always wear safety belts to prevent serious injuries. This is great advice to follow even when the weather is clear.

The outside temperatures during spring can also present safety hazards. Despite umpteen weather forecasts in the mornings, it is not always possible to predict when temperatures will turn hot. Rising temperatures can result in illnesses or dehydration if there is not a sufficient water supply. Workers should avoid foods or drinks with high amounts of sugar.

There is also a significant risk of sunburn if workers fail to wear sun-resistant clothing including long sleeves and pants, hats, gloves and sunshades. It is advisable to use sunscreen products with an SPF of 15 or more at all times. Pay strict attention to health warning signs like dizziness, nausea or increased pulse. Construction management should already have procedures in place to deal with the effects of heat or extreme sun exposure on workers. Better safe than sorry.

 

Train. Protect. Prevent