Posts

The Impact of Seasonal Weather on Construction Safety from STC

As a leader in workplace safety, STC knows that construction sites are often affected by seasonal weather changes, making it vital for employers to ensure the safety of their employees. Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or high temperatures can significantly impact construction projects and increase the risk of workplace accidents. This blog will discuss how seasonal weather affects construction safety and provide practical tips to help employers create a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.

Heavy Rain and Snow

Heavy rainfall and snowfall can increase the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls on construction sites, making it crucial to take appropriate measures to prevent accidents. Employers must provide the appropriate protective gear, including slip-resistant footwear and rain gear, to ensure workers are equipped to work safely in wet and slippery conditions. Employers must also ensure that walkways and working areas are free from any obstructions and adequately lit to minimize the risk of accidents.

High Temperatures 

Working in high temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Employers must ensure that their employees take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, stay hydrated, and wear appropriate clothing to protect them from the sun. Employers must also provide training on heat-related illnesses so employees know how to recognize the symptoms and take appropriate action.

Cold Temperatures

Cold temperatures can also pose a significant risk to construction workers, leading to frostbite and hypothermia. Employers must ensure employees wear appropriate clothing and protective gear to stay warm and dry, take frequent breaks in warm areas, and avoid working in freezing temperatures for extended periods. Employers must also provide training on cold-related illnesses and the proper use of protective gear to prevent accidents.

In conclusion, seasonal weather can significantly impact construction safety, but with proper planning and training, employers can create a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. Employers must provide the necessary protective gear, training, and resources to ensure their employees can work safely in all weather conditions. At STC, we are committed to creating safer workplaces and preserving human life through workplace safety. Want to learn more about construction safety and workplace safety in general? Check out our blog today!

Photo Sourced from Getty Images: #1254665130

/by
, ,

Prepare Your Employees for Warmer Weather with These Construction Safety Tips

At STC, we believe that the right education and training can help preserve human life in the workplace. Warmer weather is finally here but with the new season comes a new set of safety guidelines employees should follow for their own protection. Here are all of the construction safety tips you need to prepare your employees for warmer weather and summer safety:

Stay Prepared for Summer Safety

Summer is one of the best seasons for construction, but one of the hardest seasons for construction workers. Staying prepared for summer weather can protect your employees from severe injuries, illnesses and even death. Help your employees protect themselves from extreme heat by ensuring they are staying hydrated and wearing light, breathable clothing.

Choose Work Assignments Carefully

As a responsible employer of construction workers, there are quite a few things you can do to help prevent serious heat exhaustion in your employees. One of the best ways to ensure employees are protected is assigning the hardest work for the coolest parts of the day. This way, workers will be able to cool down after heavy work while it is still cold enough for them to do so.

When it is too hot outside, you should take the time to ensure that employees are taking regular breaks to rehydrate and cool down their bodies. If employees are not guaranteed regular breaks during peak heat hours in the summer, they could potentially overheat their bodies. Illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke can lead to serious injuries, illnesses and even cause fatalities.

Teach Employees Construction Safety Tips

All of your employees should be trained regularly with seasonal weather safety tips. Whether it’s rain, snow, heat or cold, employees should understand how to protect themselves against the elements in which they will be working. We recommend a quarterly instructor-led training session from professionals to help employees keep themselves and others safe on the job. 

No matter how you choose to teach your employees construction safety tips, STC is always here to help you make it simple. We offer a wide variety of managed safety services, instructor-led training and safety consulting services that will help build a safety culture around your business. Want to learn more construction safety tips? Check out our blog today!

/by
, ,

How Seasonal Weather Affects Construction Safety at Work Sites

Fall is here and winter is right around the corner, both bringing new weather conditions that can affect construction safety at work sites. The first step to preventing the new weather patterns from affecting your employees’ safety is understanding the signs of harmful conditions. Here is everything you need to know about seasonal construction safety from your partners at STC:

The Safety of Employees During Rainy Season

Fall in Texas has one of the highest levels of precipitation out of the entire year. Not only is it hurricane season, resulting in high volumes of rain and scattered storms, but it is also filled with several rainy periods throughout the season. This added layer of moisture can affect the safety of employees due to a higher chance of accidents and the possibility of damaged materials.

The Cold Winter Can Affect Construction Safety

As temperatures continue to drop, conditions at construction sites continue to present more dangers. Cold temperatures, especially those below freezing, can cause a variety of health issues for employees that are exposed to it for long periods of time. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause a higher chance of heart attacks, windburn, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Weather Conditions Can Change in an Instant

While the weather conditions change due to the season, the new season can also cause them to change more quickly throughout the day than most weather stations can predict. It is essential that you provide employees with shelter or overhead protection for inclement weather. These shelters can also prove beneficial for protecting expensive equipment.

No matter how you choose to protect the lives of your employees, STC is here to help make it simple with all of the safety services you need. From managed safety services to instructor-led trainings and safety consulting services, we have everything you need to ensure every precaution is taken. Want to learn more about construction safety? Check out our blog today!

Photo Sourced from Getty Images: #175427852

/by