Winter Working Health & Safety
Some people are attracted to construction work because the outdoor life is preferred to the factory or office environment. However, extremes of weather can 1ake the gilding off, unless we know how to cope.
The Health and Safety at Work Act requires employees to 1ake reasonable care for themselves and others. This includes coping with the weather. The PPE Regulations also refer to “exposure” and this also implies the weather.
Working in Cold Wet Weather:
1. Rheumatism can be brought on, or aggravated, by allowing joints and limbs to be cold and wet for long periods. Treatment is difficult. so prevention is best Water proof clothing which is big enough to allow adequate warm garments to be worn underneath should be worn (especially applies to boots) .
2. Bronchitis is a development of a cold, brought on by exposure to cold and damp. Once affected it is easily caught again and can get worse until you are virtually disabled. Smoking makes the chance of catching it even greater.
3. If working in water e.g. trench or other place where wading is necessary, even good boots and socks can eventually allow the feet to be blue and numb. Do not stand in water for too long and if possible, change socks for a dry warm pair at intervals.
Work in Cold Dry Weather
1. Working in intense cold can slow you down physically and mentally. Reactions are slower and decision making, over even simple things, becomes harder. Hence accidents are more likely.
2. In extreme weather conditions, if possible, arrange a work rota system, so that regular periods are spent out of the cold and wind.
3. Hyposthenia usually occurs when you can no longer maintain your body temperature at about 370c. Shivering is usually the first sign, but some people do not seem 10 shiver. If you begin to feel cold “deep inside”, refer to your foreman/chargehand and 1ake a short break in a warm place. Have a warm drink and a snack during your breaks!
4. Chill Factor is the added effect of wind on the body which makes it seem colder than the thermometer actually reads. At OOC and 10mph wind, the chill factor may make it seem like -10°c, so extra protection is called for.
5. Chilblains, Frostbite and Skin Damage are not confined to Arctic explorers. They are extremely painful and disabling, so prevention is better than cure. Warn gloves and socks are essential but if you can feel your extremities getting too cold, change into a warm pair. Protective creams are available for face and wrists etc. to replace the natural oils dried up by the cold and to prevent cracking and peeling.
6. Where necessary, temporary shelter should be constructed. This will almost certainly pay for itself by improving productivity. Sheeting over scaffolding, tents or even working in the lee of the site hut are possibilities. Somewhere warm and dry to take refreshments and to dry clothes is required by Construction (Health Safely & Welfare) Regulations.
7. Long sleeved vests, long-johns, thermal underwear etc. may be the butt of jokes, but if they keep you warm. It is better to be laughed at for a few minutes than unhealthy for the rest of your life.
