Seasonal Safety: Autumn Construction Tips
Working in the construction industry always entails a certain degree of risk, but autumn can be especially hazardous. Despite the implementation of safety measures and exercising caution, seasonal changes could heighten the risk of workplace accidents.
Factors such as the cold, humidity, and wind generally affect productivity and efficiency in the workplace. But they can be especially dangerous to construction workers. This is why construction insurance is essential for construction firms, particularly during the high-risk autumn season.
The good news is that there are ways to reduce the risks brought about by the changing seasons, such as implementing enhanced safety protocols and monitoring procedures and processes. Doing so could mitigate the hazards associated with unfavorable weather conditions and possibly even eliminate them.
Construction challenges during autumn
Many of the risks inherent in the construction industry pose a threat at any time of the year. But some factors are especially hazardous during autumn. Some of these include:
Excessive moisture
Excess moisture is one of the hazards bright about by the coming of autumn. In construction sites, mud could affect the mobility of workers and equipment. Pools of water could pose a considerable risk if it is necessary to set up ladders to access elevated areas,. Even wet scaffolding increases the likelihood of falls that may lead to injury or death.
Apart from the immediate danger of excess moisture, it could also cause delays in the construction processes, particularly with tasks such as wood curing. Furthermore, water could seep into bricks, cement, and wood, making painting and gluing workpieces together more difficult.
Mold growth is another common occurrence during autumn. If the mold isn’t treated, it could affect the quality of wood and other building materials, giving them an unsightly appearance and making them unsafe to use.
Heavy rains and thunderstorms
Rains and thunderstorms pose many risks to construction workers and job sites. Everyone knows that water and electricity don’t mix. Therefore, excess moisture in a place where there is a lot of electrical equipment in use can have disastrous consequences.
Strong winds that occur during thunderstorms pose even more hazards. Apart from the increased risk of electrocution, it can also cause considerable damage to building materials and structures. Commonly affected areas include glass walls, windows, and roof shingles, all of which could be lost to heavy storms.
Weather disturbances often delay construction by preventing construction workers from performing necessary tasks. For example, bricklayers can only work indoors when it’s raining heavily outside.
Seasonal illnesses
The wet and cold weather could also adversely affect workers’ health. Colds, flu, and other respiratory conditions are more common during autumn. Illness could affect productivity and impair judgment, which are crucial concerns in construction sites. Furthermore, allowing sick workers to come in increases the risk of sickness for everyone else.
Safety tips for autumn construction projects
Despite these risks, you could still continue your construction project and meet your timelines while ensuring the safety of your workers. Here are some precautions and preventive measures you could take:
Revisit safety standards. Take the opportunity to refresh your workers’ knowledge of safety standards. Because of the increased risk of accidents during this season, ensuring that everyone is aware of safety standards and practices is vital.
Among the issues you could discuss are the proper use of protective gear and equipment. You could also educate your workers on the correct procedure for checking fall-arrest systems. Finally, make sure that everyone knows how to identify malfunctions and potential problems and address them.
Devise an evacuation plan. Consider formulating an evacuation plan for unforeseen circumstances such as fires, earthquakes, or hurricanes. Make sure that everyone is familiar with the proper procedure for dealing with these incidents and there is a safe and easily accessible assembly area where everyone can gather if something happens.
Store materials and equipment properly. Faulty materials storage can affect quality and structural integrity. This, in turn, could result in long-term damage and accidents, particularly with materials such as metal and wood. Poorly-kept construction equipment is also prone to malfunctions, which entails added risk. Storing materials and equipment in dry, safe places will prevent damage and loss of revenue.
Know when to halt‒or resume‒construction. There will be times when work will need to be postponed due to inclement weather. As the property owner or project manager, you must anticipate these events and plan the schedule accordingly.
It is just as important to know when to best resume work. In some cases, you may have to delay construction longer to ensure the safety of the crew. Alternately, you could opt to resume construction in phases if necessary. For instance, you could prioritize areas that need immediate attention and ensure that everything is safe before continuing work in other areas.
Conclusion
Taking these precautions will help ensure the safety of everyone involved and the successful completion of the project. Remember that the health and well-being of your workers should be foremost on your list of priorities. Keep your safety objectives in mind at all times, and you will be better able to manage the inherent risks of autumn construction projects.
About Daniels Insurance, Inc.
At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that businesses like yours face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.