Protect your Crew from Foundation to Roof with Winter Worksite Safety Upgrades
It’s time to get staff, worksites and roofs ready to operate safely through winter weather
As the mercury plummets and the chill of winter settles in, worksites – especially roofs – transition into some of the most hazardous construction environments.
Cold weather amplifies safety challenges, demanding an expedient shift in strategy and equipment to ensure worker safety. Taking a proactive approach to winter safety upgrades is the best way to make it through the most frigid season of the year with productivity intact.
Here is a playbook for keeping your crew secure throughout the winter, especially when working on that most treacherous surface: the roof.
Sneaky slip hazards
According to WorkSafeBC, slip-trip-and-fall injuries cost B.C. businesses 440,000 lost workdays and more than $148 million in claim costs each year.
During wintertime work, a patch of hidden black ice can take down your most experienced employee in the blink of an eye.
There are a few ways to approach this challenge. As a first line of defence, start by laying out commercial-grade, slip-resistant matting where possible, or plan ahead by applying industrial coatings on heavy-traffic areas like entrances, stairs and around equipment. Consider if you need to provide staff with specialized treads – roofers will almost certainly need this gear.
For exterior projects, opt for scaffolding with built-in anti-slip decks, and apply industrial grade anti-slip tape or textured grates to outside routes and ladders. These small investments help protect workers every step of the way.
The unique challenge of winter-proofing a roof
Roofs are constantly assaulted by snow, ice and wind, so getting roof safety prepared before the deep freeze is paramount.
Have permanent anchor systems and guardrails installed, certified and ready for use. If your crew is performing snow removal or maintenance, secure tie-off points and use proper fall protection gear such as harnesses and guardrails – it could be the difference between a close call and a tragedy.
Strategic heat cables and snow guards can also be an essential layer of protection for both your crew and the building's structural health.
Finally, ensure your team is trained to recognize and react to early signs of heavy snow load stress, and keep functioning snow and ice removal tools on site.
Dress your crew for the occasion
Shortened daylight hours require you to boost on-site lighting and visibility significantly.
Invest in powerful, reliable LED floodlights or portable towers to brighten those early-morning and late-evening shifts, and make sure your crew is outfitted up with gear that is reflective and highly visible.
Speaking of gear, workers need cold-weather PPE specifically designed for sub-zero survival to prevent cold stress - an inability to maintain core body temperature that can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Think thermal, moisture-wicking base layers, insulated and dexterous gloves, and anti-fog goggles.
You must also provide designated warm break areas, a necessary preventative measure against cold stress.
Emergency preparedness for winter worksite and roof safety
Worksite emergency preparedness takes on a new urgency when the roads are frozen and the power is out.
Regularly ensure that your site’s first aid kit is stocked up, and keep thermal blankets on hand. In the case that an emergency does arise, confirm that any communication devices can handle low temperatures.
Pay attention to the forecasts as you plan out project schedules, and be prepared to make adjustments so your crew doesn’t get caught working during blizzards or high winds.
Taking a proactive approach to winter construction, from rooftop to foundation, will keep your workers safe and on-site once the temperatures drop.