The weather has started to change. Cooler mornings and days are affecting the way jobsite work can be done. Here are some ideas to keep in mind about the changing weather conditions:
Wear the Right Gloves
- Gloves should have enough insulation to keep you warm and prevent frostbite but be thin enough to feel what you are doing if you are manipulating controls or tools.
Dress in Layers
- Layers of light-weight clothing keep you warmer than a single layer of heavy clothes.
- Remove layers as necessary to prevent overheating and perspiring, which can lead to chills or hypothermia later.
- Wet clothes are 20 times less warm than dry clothing.
- As much as half of your body heat can go up in steam off the top of your head. Wear an appropriate head cover that does not affect the proper use of a hardhat.
- Check your winter wardrobe for entanglement hazards such as scarves, loose sleeves and dangling drawstrings.
Eye Protection
- Keep your safety eyewear from fogging up in the cold. Use anti-fog coatings and wipes that are appropriate for your eyewear.
Footwear
- Look at the soles of your footwear. Your shoes or boots should have adequate tread to prevent slips and falls on wet or icy surfaces.
- Slow down when walking across slippery surfaces and be especially careful on ladders, platform and stairways.
Eat Up
- Eat a diet with enough calories and nutrients to give you the fuel you need.
- Always start with a hearty breakfast.
Rest
- Get plenty of rest. Working in the cold and even traveling to and from work in the winter takes a lot of energy.
- Be sure to pace yourself when working in the changing weather conditions.