Cold Weather Safety, Storm Preparedness

A proactive approach to weather readiness on the jobsite

By Jay Vander Leest

This winter, the country has seen snow in literally all 50 states. And many of these areas are not as experienced as others when facing inclement winter conditions. Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Kraus-Anderson Construction understands winter weather introduces serious risks and unique challenges for construction workers both from an injury prevention, and OSHA-compliance standpoint — along with the importance of prioritizing cold weather preparedness by identifying and pre-planning for primary risk exposures associated with winter conditions.

The basics
Especially during nasty weather, it’s best not to perform outdoor activities alone because injuries can become more severe, and even fatal, in the event a worker is stranded. But if working alone, it’s crucial to always communicate with someone and have a check-in process established.

“Punishing weather increases the risk of frostbite, hypothermia and cold stress, which also can impair decision-making and physical abilities,” said Jack Bronczyk , a project superintendent at Kraus-Anderson.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 40% of weather-related workplace fatalities stem from ice, snow and cold temperatures, causing tens of thousands of injuries, costing companies billions of dollars.

“Preparation is key to ensuring our crews remain safe, healthy and productive in harsh conditions,” added Bronczyk. “Thoughtful planning, including adjustments for shorter days and unpredictable conditions, can keep projects on track while protecting workers.”

Weather-related risks

Wind chill
The wind chill index is the temperature the body feels when the air temperature is combined with the wind speed. The presence of wind in an already cold environment can pose a deadly combination. It’s important to realize the effect of the wind when paired with cold temperatures. For example, if it’s 10 F with 20 mph winds, the wind chill feels like the temperature is -9 F.

Slips and falls
More than 80% of work-related, winter weather injuries are falls often caused by ice, snow, slush and wet surfaces. Common injuries include back, neck and shoulder injuries, severe cuts and bruises, muscle strains, dislocated joints, fractures and concussions. In the event of a fall, swelling and/or pain may not be noticeable right away; therefore, it’s always best for workers to be medically evaluated. To prevent these types of injuries, the following tips should be followed.

• All paths, walking and working surfaces should be kept clear by removing snow and using ice melt.
• Choose proper footwear that will provide optimum traction. In the event slippery surfaces cannot be eliminated, devices such as ice cleats should be added.
• Extra caution should be used when walking, as well as anticipating hazards, taking shorter strides and paying particular attention when walking in dark and unlit areas.

Frostbite
Frostbite is the freezing of body tissue that results from reduced blood and oxygen to the extremities. When exposed to cold, the body tries to preserve heat and keep its core warm by restricting blood flow to the extremities, e.g., fingers, toes, ears and nose, and forcing blood to the heart and lungs. The extent of frostbite often can’t be judged until hours after thawing.

The following are three classifications of these injuries, including two types of frostbite:

• Frostnip — a mild form of frostbite that irritates the skin, causing redness and a cold feeling followed by numbness. Frostnip doesn’t permanently damage the skin.
• Superficial frostbite — appears as reddened skin that can turn white or pale. The skin may begin to feel warm. If frostbite is treated with rewarming at this stage, the affected person may notice stinging, burning and swelling. In addition, a fluid-filled blister may appear 24-36 hours after rewarming the skin.
• Deep frostbite — affects all layers of the skin, including the tissues below. The affected person may experience numbness, losing all sensation of cold, pain or discomfort in the area involved. Joints or muscles may no longer work. Large blisters can form 24-48 hours after rewarming; afterward, the area turns black and hard as the tissue dies.

Hypothermia
Hypothermia is the cooling of the body caused by the failure of the body’s warming system, and may quickly become life threatening. First aid goals are to restore normal body temperature and to care for any conditions while waiting for EMS personnel to arrive. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, numbness, weakness, impaired judgment and loss of consciousness. If a worker experiences hypothermia, these steps should be followed:

• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number
• Gently move the person to a warm place
• Monitor breathing and circulation
• Administer rescue breathing and CPR if needed
• Remove any wet clothing and dry the person
• Warm the person slowly by wrapping them in blankets or dressing them in dry clothing. Hot water bottles and chemical hot packs may be used when first wrapped in a towel or blanket before applying. The person should not be warmed too quickly, such as by immersing him or her in warm water; rapid warming may cause dangerous heart arrhythmias. The core (trunk, abdomen) should be warmed first, rather than the extremities (hands, feet) because the latter can cause shock.

Freezing rain and strong winds
Working outdoors in rain and strong winds also require taking the right precautions, including the following:

• Weather forecasts should be checked regularly and teams alerted to worsening conditions; scheduling work during extreme weather events when winds exceed safety thresholds should be avoided.
• Waterproof and wind-resistant clothing with slip-resistant materials, and boots with good traction, should be provided to workers; high-visibility gear is essential in low-visibility conditions.
• High winds can make equipment and tools hazardous, so all items should be securely fastened or stored when not in use. In addition, ladders and scaffolding should be secured, and lightweight materials and tarps anchored. Anti-slip mats should be used on slippery surfaces.

An ounce of prevention
The best way to combat the cold, while working onsite — and while enjoying recreational activities during the winter months — is to dress appropriately.

• Light-weight clothing should be worn in layers, which provides more warmth than a single layer of heavy clothes.
• It’s recommended to wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing: a foundation or base layer, a mid-layer for insulation and a shell or outer layer. Layers should be removed as necessary to prevent overheating and perspiring.
• Damp or wet clothing is 20 times less warm than dry clothing and can lead to heat loss and, in severe circumstances, hypothermia. Body heat can be conserved by keeping heads and extremities covered with hats and gloves.

A proactive approach to weather readiness demonstrates a commitment to safety and sets the foundation for year-round success. By implementing proactive measures — such as winter gear requirements, site inspections and emergency response plans — not only is the industry workforce safeguarded, but productivity and project timelines are maintained.

Images courtesy of Kraus-Anderson

Jay Vander Leest is director of safety at Kraus-Anderson Construction.