Getting Ready for Autumn and Winter

What to Expect and How to Stay Safe

In some parts of the country, a change of seasons doesn’t mean anything extreme, weather-wise. But in places like the northeast, vast differences are experienced season to season.

This change happens every year, so if you’ve been in an area like this for a while, you probably already subconsciously do some things to prepare. You make sure warmer clothing is available. You watch the weather reports a little more frequently. Perhaps you even change your eating and sleeping habits.

However, the job site – and your home - could contain seasonal hazards that maybe you’re not thinking about. Let’s take a minute to look at these hazards and some of the best ways to prepare for them.

Ladder Hazards

It’s time to clean out the gutters, right? Maybe hang the Christmas decorations? Ladders start to come out at home a lot more often this time of year and, as always, they’re prominent on many job sites. How is this different now, though, than in the summer?

Well, for one, fall and winter tend to bring more blustery winds and if you’re not securing your ladders properly, you can be looking at a terrible fall hazard. In addition, muddy boots could make your rungs slippery, so watch your conditions around your ladder’s base and keep an eye on them for cleaning and upkeep.

Make sure you’re always following the requirements for safely setting up ladders, whether at home or at work. This includes securing the ladder, setting it at the proper 4:1 angle, not climbing too high on it, extending it the necessary 3’ above the level you’re climbing to, maintaining three points of contact, and keeping your center of gravity between the side rails.

Slips and Falls

Autumn can be that time of year where not only do we have the very slippery threat of wet leaves on the road, but we could also get some unexpected ice. As winter rolls around, you may start to be more aware of the ice, but that doesn’t make it any less dangerous, especially when waking up to a black ice threat. Be prepared for whatever the conditions are.

Allow yourself enough time to travel so you don’t find yourself losing control of your vehicle. Remember that speeds you could safely drive under normal conditions could now be extremely dangerous. Exit your car on two feet when the presence of ice is possible. Wear shoes with good traction or, where necessary and feasible, with ice gripping soles.

In addition, walking and working surfaces such as scaffolding, rooftops, or even sidewalks, can become covered in leaves and/or snow which not only pose a slip hazard on their own but could also hide other hazards such as holes or ice patches. Make sure that you have a safe and effective plan for keeping these surfaces clear.

From a falling standpoint, things shouldn’t need to be treated much differently from one season to the next. Keep in mind what new situations present a fall hazard. Cleaning leaves from gutters and scuppers needs to be handled with care. Working from a flat rooftop with the proper fall protection is a better option than trying to work from a ladder, for instance. Clearing snow from a roof is better done with a long-handled removal tool, if feasible, than by getting onto the roof itself. If getting onto the roof is necessary, then proper fall protection must be utilized.

Keep in mind that harnesses need to be worn over coats, not under them, otherwise your lanyards could fail to work properly. If workers are wearing harnesses on a cold morning, then removing their coats later in the day, make sure that they are taking the time to properly adjust the fit. Loose harnesses could prove fatal in a fall event.

Cold Stress and Other Weather Hazards

Luckily, this time of year, many of the insects (whether dangerous or just a nuisance) go into retreat and the likelihood of thunderstorms subsides, but cold weather becomes a concern. Just like in the heat, the body needs time to acclimate to the weather. Early cold snaps can be especially dangerous since your workforce may not be used to the extreme temperatures or maybe unprepared in terms of dress. Make sure you ease the workforce into exposure to cold temperatures whenever possible and that they wear dry, layered clothing for the best protection. Train them in the signs and symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia, as well as what to do if they suspect somebody is experiencing one of them.

As noted earlier, wind can pose a problem with ladder usage, but that’s not the only time it will be a hazard. Windspeeds need to be consistently monitored for crane usage. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and local laws to determine at what windspeeds work needs to shut down. Wind can also be dangerous for people working at heights, causing them to lose their balance. Special attention needs to be paid to carrying things that can catch the wind, such as sheets of plywood. Make sure any materials being kept on elevated surfaces, such as bundles of roof insulation, are properly secured because even something light can cause damage and injury when falling.

Respiratory Protection

When the weather gets cold, some men tend to let their facial hair grow a little bit (and those participating in Movember, maybe a bit more). This may not be an issue unless these men need to wear respirators for work. If that’s the case, even stubble can pose a problem with the respirator’s seal to the face. Make sure this is monitored and your workforce is reminded of what is acceptable (such as a small mustache that does not approach the respirator’s seal) and what is not.

Conclusion

Regardless of the season, you still need to protect your workers the same way. The problem comes in the new and possibly unexpected tasks you may need to perform. Make sure you are taking the time to do hazard assessments and never assume that your workforce will just know what to do. Train them where necessary and always provide the proper PPE. Effective safety always begins with proper planning. Don’t let the change in seasons sneak up on you and catch you unprepared.