Keeping your team safe and your project on track can become even more challenging during the winter season. Before snow, ice and other unexpected elements delay your progress, here are a few ways to prepare your jobsite and keep your team safe, comfortable and productive all season long.
- Move Jobsite Valuables Inside – Consider moving all valuable equipment, materials and tools that are exposed to the elements into a dry and covered storage space. Moving your valuable items into an onsite, secure storage container can help maintain quality and avoid having to replace any stolen or weather-worn items that your project depends on.
- Restock Jobsite Winter Essentials – Take note of any winter essentials that need replenished on your jobsite including de-icer, snow blowers and shovels, and non-slip entrance mats to help prevent slips and falls on the job. For extra safety, you may want to add OSHA-compliant high-grip steps and ramps to your entrances and provide extra gloves, insulated, non-slip boots, bottled water and a first aid kit onsite.
- Winterize Your Office Space – Inspect the interior and exterior of your workspace and make a plan to winterize your work area by using this checklist. Make sure you prepare your office space, whether it be an existing building, mobile office trailer or another temporary workspace, before and after every winter storm.
- Inspect Your Storage Space – Take a look at the interior and exterior of your storage space to ensure there are no holes or leaks that could damage your stored items. It is also recommended to install adjustable storage systems to keep valuables away from any melting snow that may be tracked inside, create space for an accessible walkway and maximize every inch of your onsite storage.
- Provide Winter Weather Training – No matter the size of your team, it’s important that you train workers on how to prevent cold stress, provide first aid and avoid injury while shoveling snow. Workers should be educated on proper cold weather attire and OSHA winter safety preparedness to reduce the risk of injury, cold stress and onsite accidents.
When you plan ahead and prepare your jobsite for incoming winter weather, you can help your team remain safe, comfortable and productive onsite. For more tips to prepare for heavy winter weather, contact our team or visit the National Weather Service site for winter alerts and snow coverage maps.