The weather outside can be a hazard for construction workers year-round, whether it’s bitter cold in winter or extreme heat in summer. Most construction tasks take place outdoors, exposing workers to temperature extremes, wind, sun, ice and storms.
In hot weather, high temperatures and humidity increase the risk of dehydration, heat stroke, cramping and heat exhaustion. Wearing protective clothing such as long pants and heavy boots can make heat-related problems worse.
Exposed skin is vulnerable to sunburn and long-term ultraviolet damage that can lead to skin cancer, and summer lightning storms create a risk of potentially fatal injury. In winter, low temperatures combined with wind and ice can cause hypothermia, frostbite and a higher risk of slips and falls.
For these reasons, contractors should include protection against extreme weather in their regular safety procedures and training. Federal workplace safety rules require employers to provide appropriate personal protective equipment and training when environmental conditions create hazards, including clothing and eye, head and face protection and measures to limit sun overexposure.
Preventive steps
- Learning the signs that indicate the weather is making a worker ill
- Monitoring workers for signs of illness
- Training workers on how to protect themselves from the elements
- Setting an expectation that workers will dress appropriately for weather conditions
- Providing shade during hot weather and heated areas during cold weather in which workers can take breaks
- Scheduling work for cooler periods in the summer and warmer periods in the winter
Workers should dress in layers during the coldest weather and, when practical for the job, keep exposed skin covered with gloves, hats and scarves to reduce the risk of frostbite. During hot, sunny weather, employees should wear wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts made of light material and ultraviolet-resistant sunglasses, and they should reapply sun block at intervals throughout the day.
In addition to higher workers' compensation costs, weather-related injuries reduce productivity, divert management attention, and make an employer less attractive to skilled workers. Contractors can review policy options such as Street/Road Construction Workers' Compensation to help manage those costs.
Companies that work around solar installations or other specialty projects should also consider whether project-specific coverage is needed; see examples like Photovoltaic Insurance when evaluating risk and insurance needs. Although no program can eliminate all weather risks, basic planning, training and equipment can substantially reduce the likelihood and severity of injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common signs of heat-related illness?
Early signs include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and headache; untreated, these can progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.
How should employers protect workers from cold stress?
Provide warm break areas, encourage layered clothing, schedule frequent warm-up breaks and monitor workers for symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite.
When should a worker stop work because of weather?
Stop or modify work when conditions present an imminent safety risk, such as lightning, extreme heat with signs of heat illness, or icy conditions that threaten slips and falls.
What basic training should workers receive about weather hazards?
Training should cover recognition of heat- and cold-related illnesses, proper clothing and PPE, hydration and rest schedules, and emergency procedures for severe weather.