This week, an intense snowstorm battered the Gulf Coast, while a bitter cold wave enveloped much of the eastern United States. The frigid temperatures pose significant challenges for various sectors, particularly construction workers who must operate outdoors in regions unaccustomed to freezing conditions. Safety experts emphasize the importance of preparedness and vigilance to mitigate risks associated with extreme cold. Recent years have seen unusual weather patterns, attributed by scientists to climate change, affecting both summer and winter extremes. Construction firms are implementing comprehensive safety protocols to ensure worker well-being during these harsh conditions.

Preparing for Winter Challenges: A Focus on Worker Safety

The construction industry is taking proactive steps to safeguard workers from the dangers of extreme cold. Companies like Turner Construction and Clayco are prioritizing meticulous planning and preparation to address winter weather issues. Turner's environmental health and safety chief, Steve Spaulding, underscores the significance of awareness and readiness for winter conditions. Detailed winter weather preparation plans are crucial for maintaining project progress while ensuring worker safety. These plans include strategies such as setting up warming zones and providing protective gear.

In-depth preparation is essential for managing winter construction projects. Turner Construction, currently working on a $1.4 billion stadium in Orchard Park, New York, exemplifies this approach. Spaulding highlights the need for safety teams to anticipate temperature drops and inclement weather to protect materials and personnel. Similarly, Clayco, the largest contractor in the Midwest, develops detailed winter weather plans that prioritize worker safety. Todd Friis, senior vice president of risk management at Clayco, emphasizes the importance of reliable heating sources, protection from elements, and awareness of additional hazards like carbon monoxide. Both companies use gas or electric heaters when temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring workers have access to warm areas.

Navigating Cold Stress: Employer Responsibilities and Worker Education

Employers bear significant responsibilities in protecting workers from cold-related hazards. Jessica Bunting, director of research to practice at CPWR, notes that cold stress and hypothermia can develop before workers notice severe symptoms. Mary Bauer, an OSHA compliance assistance specialist, adds that sweating in cold temperatures can be dangerous, accelerating hypothermia. Cold weather can also subtly impair judgment, leading workers to take risky shortcuts. Employers must provide proper safety and warm weather gear, offer frequent breaks, and educate employees on recognizing early signs of cold stress.

OSHA does not have specific standards for cold weather safety but offers resource pages to assist employers. Ensuring a safe workplace remains paramount, and failing to maintain safety can result in injuries and citations. Employers must consider workers' acclimation and wardrobe, especially in regions unaccustomed to subfreezing temperatures. Providing adequate protection is crucial for southern states where workers may lack appropriate gear. Experts recommend educating employees about cold stress symptoms like shivering, confusion, and loss of coordination. They also advise paying close attention to potential hazards exacerbated by cold weather and understanding how it impacts existing safeguards. Collaboration among major players in sharing resources and best practices further enhances safety measures in the construction industry.