Snow and Ice Removal

“Winter is coming” and with it snow and ice. Winter weather conditions pose serious hazards to a construction site.

Here are a few of these:
• Slips due to wet, icy, and slick conditions
• Trips due to snow cover debris, equipment, and construction material.
• Tools, equipment, and materials being damaged during snow removal.
• Strains and sprains from shoveling snow or mishandling the various types of ice and snow melt products.
• Frostbite and/or hypothermia while working to clear your area.

So how do we avoid being injured or damaging equipment?

Here are some safe work practices to help you out:
• In slick conditions, keep your feet close to the ground (slide your feet across the surface) and wear boots with an aggressive tread.
• Practice good housekeeping and store tools, equipment, and materials off the ground.
• Have a logistics plan in place for snow removal and clearly mark all driveways/walkways.
• Use proper lifting techniques and power equipment when it makes sense
• Make sure to dress appropriately for the temperature, layer your clothing, cover your ears and wear approved cold weather gloves.