OK, so we know it’s not likely to freeze around here but we’ve still got you a 5-point Winter Site Checklist, just to keep you ahead of the game.
Rain, rain, rain. Yeh, we know, we need it and it keeps our country beautiful but it can cause serious havoc on your construction site and it’s a given fact that there is an increase in accidents during the winter months.
So, rain is possibly our biggest concern, rather than cold.
When did you last do a site survey of your security alarm system? Just do it! Take a nice sunny day to carry it out and it may save you an out-of-hours trek in the dark, lashed by the pouring rain, as you pick your way across a potential quagmire searching for very unit that hurled an error at you out of the blue. Miserable.
Point 1 on our Winter Checklist – Do a site survey of all security alarm systems
The alarm systems themselves are, of course, waterproof, but regularly checking for damage may prevent the above scenario, as a damaged alarm box is a deadly haven for rain.
What should you do?
- Carry out visual checks for obvious damage or cracking in the outer casing
- Replace batteries
- Carry out physical checks to ensure each call point is working correctly – both audible and visual (flashing beacon)
- Take the opportunity to clean the sensors and hand-held units
There are more points to include in your site survey and it would be time-efficient to check them at the same time:
Point 2 – Check all site signage is intact, damage-free and up to date
With the potential of decreased visibility across your construction site, good signage is imperative. Is your signage all up to date?
Things to look for:
- Full site review of signage – is every legal requirement met by your current signage?
- Check all signs and replace any damaged or cracked signs
- Clean all signs down to ensure best visibility
- Remember; a missed sign, may be costly
Point 3 – Check all first aid kits are current and up to date
Winter is notorious for accidents on construction sites and unfortunately your site is no exception! Be ahead of the game. Winter illness, slips, falls. Be prepared for it.
- Carry out a full check of all first aid kits to ensure all legal requirements are met
- Are the best-before dates going to carry you over the winter?
- Ensure your staff are freshly aware of your first aid policy
Point 4 – Fire safety checks – are they watertight?
Rain doesn’t stop fire unfortunately, not bad fire.
- Ensure your fire safety checks will carry you over the winter
- Check everything is in date and working correctly
- Double check legal requirements, to ensure you’re covered
Point 5 – Is all your PPE current?
- Ensure your staff have up-to-date suitable footwear to take them through the winter
- Ensure all safety hats are damage-free and in date
- Provide a branded beanie for your staff to wear under their safety hat – much heat is lost through the head
- Consider issuing branded hi-viz coats – keep your staff warm, seen, safe (and doing a bit of marketing for you!)
Some further winter hints and tips:
- How about checking the weather? Keep the team aware of what the day is likely to bring weather-wise so they can plan around it.
- Consider a warm shelter for them to take regular breaks.
Beware the winter illness!
Did you know, there are some illnesses that we wouldn’t associate with a NZ winter or a construction site…
Trench foot is caused when workers’ feet are prolonged to wet and cold temperatures for too long. There have been cases of trench foot occurring in temperatures as high as 15 degrees if feet are constantly wet. The symptoms of trench foot include redness of skin, swelling, numbness and/or blisters.
Hypothermia occurs when body heat is lost faster than it can be replaced. Although hypothermia is more likely to occur at very cold temperatures, it can occur at around four or five degrees if a worker is chilled from rain, sweat or cold water. Mild symptoms include shivering but as body temperature falls, shivering will stop. If symptoms worsen, workers may lose concentration and become disorientated. After that, loss of consciousness can occur, and immediate medical help will be needed.
Be prepared. Keep your site running and healthy this winter.
