Members of construction crews work in all kinds of conditions and terrains, so worker safety in inclement weather should always be a priority. If you are considering partnering with a company for any sort of industrial contracting, it can be helpful to find out their policies when it comes to the safety of your crew members. Extreme weather can be a hazard both to the workers themselves as well as to the equipment they’re working with, and the construction site itself. Cold weather can affect your terrain and the way that vehicles operate. Hot weather can pose significant dangers to workers who are exposed to too much heat. Heavy rains can create flooding issues that can de-stabilize terrain or construction sites. And finally, storms can pose significant hazards because of the dangers of lightning strikes and high winds. Make sure that you entrust your contracting to a company that prioritizes worker safety to keep your project on time and within budget. At AME, we take safety seriously, and ensure that all of our technicians are trained on the latest equipment and technologies. With a reputation you can trust, and decades of experience, you can feel confident that AME will prioritize your worker’s safety to keep your project running smoothly.

Cold Weather Concerns

While we often think of severe weather as storms or heavy rains, extreme temperatures can also pose many dangers to construction workers. When conditions are very cold, they might be more likely to experience things like frostbite and hypothermia if they do not have adequate preparation or clothing. Make sure that your crew members can take frequent breaks in a warmer area where it’s possible to heat up. Furthermore, ice and snow can create slippery conditions that can make machinery more dangerous to operate and can lead to fall hazards. Heavy snow accumulation can also make visibility low, and can create hazards for excavation work. If you are working in extremely cold conditions, or areas where you might encounter ice and snow, it’s important to keep a close eye on weather conditions. Make sure that all crew members are dressed appropriately for the job, have access to warmer areas, and are capable of operating machinery safely in extreme temperatures.

Hot Weather Concerns

Hot weather can also pose hazards to workers because of the risks of dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion. Even crew members who are using machinery and not out in the open can suffer from high temperatures if the machines do not have proper ventilation. Make sure that all members of your crew have adequate breaks and plenty of access to water throughout the day. They should also be trained in the signs and symptoms to watch for in cases of heat exhaustion. Especially if they are working on hot work surfaces like black asphalt or areas without shade. Hot weather can also cause machinery to overheat, so taking preventative actions to protect cooling systems can be helpful. Additionally, extreme heat can make things like adhesives and sealants less effective, so it’s important to understand the temperature ratings for the materials you’ll be using on site. Finally, any plastic pieces on work equipment can weaken in high temperatures and make your machinery less structurally sound.

Heavy Rain

Heavy rain can cause visibility issues on work sites, and can also pose a hazard to the terrain itself. When rain turns into flooding, it can create unstable ground for your machinery and crew. Additionally, heavy rains can make handling equipment more dangerous. Large trucks can slide or become unstable, and workers are at a higher risk for falls. If your crew is working in rainy conditions, make sure that they keep an out on the weather warning for things like flooding in their area. You might also need to ensure that your work site has proper drainage, or even utilize covers or tarps to protect your equipment. Make sure that workers are wearing reflective gear so that they are still visible even in heavy rain, and consider adding extra lights for increased visibility.

Storms

Of course, the most dangerous kind of weather for construction crews is stormy weather, especially if it involves high winds or lightning. Lighting can pose significant fire and electrical risks to your workers and to your machinery. If conditions include lightning, it’s best to leave the site and find a safe place to wait out the storm under cover. Install lightning protection equipment like lightning rods, surge arrestors, and be sure to ground electrical components of the site. You might need to relocate heavy equipment to covered areas or garages. Additionally, many storms include heavy winds that can add increased risk to your crew. Some winds can even be strong enough to topple cranes, boom trucks, or other machinery. Brace building components as you construct in the event of extremely windy conditions. Make sure to secure any loose items like small pieces of equipment or soil. Have workers shelter off site to avoid any hazards from falling objects and equipment.

Why Experience Matters

Any construction project is eventually going to run into less-than-ideal weather conditions. So having a plan in place for extreme conditions can help protect your workers’ safety as well as your equipment. Partnering with a reliable company for your industrial contracting needs means that you can relax knowing that every safety measure is being taken into account. At AME, our operators are well-versed in the latest technology and practices when it comes to maintaining safety on job sites. Additionally, we have decades of experience with work sites on many different terrains and with different weather conditions to pull from. Preventative measures and maintenance can also help secure your job site and keep things running smoothly, despite any weather conditions. Extreme cold, heat, rain, and storms all pose their own unique dangers to a job site, and all require different safety measures. At AME, we know that accidents and damage can delay your project and raise your budget. We take every measure possible to ensure the highest quality of work while keeping worker and equipment safety as a top priority.