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Winter construction comes with unique challenges that require specific safety measures to protect workers and keep projects on track. Cold temperatures, snow and ice increase the risk of accidents, which can slow down production. However, by properly winterproofing your construction zone, you can create a safer workspace and maintain productivity, even in difficult conditions. In this blog, we’ll share important winter construction safety tips and explain how North America Traffic’s portable traffic signals can help keep your work zone safe and in line with safety standards all year round.

Understanding The Challenges of Winter Construction

Winter construction comes with several hazards that require careful planning and safety precautions. Snow and ice make slips, trips and falls more likely, leading to potential injuries. Reduced daylight, fog and snowstorms can limit visibility, making it harder for workers to perform tasks and for drivers to navigate work zones. Cold weather also affects machinery, slowing down operations and potentially causing equipment breakdowns. Additionally, freezing temperatures pose serious health risks like frostbite and hypothermia, especially for workers exposed to the cold for long periods.

Tips for Winterproofing Your Work Zone

1. Clear Snow and Ice Regularly

One of the key tasks on a winter construction site is keeping pathways free from snow and ice. Regularly shovelling or plowing these areas prevents snow from piling up, and spreading salt, sand, or other traction aids on icy surfaces reduces the chance of slips and falls. Make sure walkways, vehicle paths and access points are well-maintained to ensure the safety of workers, vehicles and pedestrians. These basic precautions can significantly reduce accidents, especially in areas with heavy traffic.

2. Equip Workers with Proper Winter Gear

Working construction in the winter requires proper gear. To keep workers safe and comfortable, layered clothing, insulated gloves and boots, as well as face masks or balaclavas, are a must for your crew. Layered clothing helps trap body heat while allowing workers to remove layers if they overheat. Insulated gloves and boots are essential for preventing frostbite and slips. Face masks or balaclavas protect the face and neck from wind and freezing temperatures. By making sure workers have the right gear, you can lower the risk of cold-related illnesses and boost morale, which is especially important in harsh winter conditions.

3. Install Portable Traffic Signals

North America Traffic’s portable traffic signals are vital for improving safety in work zones, even in winter. The PTL2.4X Portable Traffic Signal is designed for year-round use in construction areas, cross streets and intersections. It can withstand temperatures from -40° C to + 80° C (- 40° F to 176° F) and winds up to 90 mph (129 km/hour). These signals effectively control traffic by guiding vehicles and protecting workers on-site. With bright LED lights, they enhance visibility, ensuring drivers are aware of working construction sites, even in the dead of winter. Additionally, NAT’s portable traffic signals are easy to relocate and set up, allowing for flexibility in changing work zones.

4. Focus on Worker Safety Training

Training is one of the best ways to enhance safety during winter construction. Conduct training sessions that focus on the specific risks related to cold and icy conditions. Workers need to understand how to safely navigate these challenges, especially when driving on slippery roads. Those operating machinery or vehicles should receive special training on handling winter conditions. Additionally, educate workers on how to fall safely if they slip, such as rolling to lessen the impact. Ongoing training and refresher courses throughout the winter season will help keep safety at the forefront.

5. Monitor Weather Conditions

Staying updated on weather forecasts is crucial for maintaining a safe work environment. Use weather monitoring apps and services to track incoming storms and temperature drops. If severe weather is predicted, adjust work schedules to reduce exposure to dangerous conditions. Additionally, develop and communicate emergency protocols for inclement weather, including guidelines on when to stop work and how to safely evacuate the site. This proactive approach helps protect workers and ensures their safety in challenging winter conditions.

6. Prepare and Winterize Equipment

Cold temperatures can significantly impact construction equipment, leading to breakdowns or malfunctions. To prevent costly delays, it’s crucial to winterize all vehicles and machinery on-site. Always refer to the owner’s manual for specific winterizing instructions. As road salt and grime accumulate in winter, giving your equipment a thorough power wash and scrub can be beneficial. Regularly lubricate parts to guard against rust, paying attention to components like the undercarriage, boom and bucket connections. It’s also important to check tire pressure, as cold weather causes it to drop. Some equipment owners choose to inflate winter tires with dry nitrogen, which won’t freeze or fluctuate. In addition to maintaining construction equipment, ensure that NAT traffic control devices are also well-maintained. North America Traffic has developed a winter maintenance plan for its traffic control solutions:

• Establish a maintenance schedule. Regular upkeep is vital for both the safety and the longevity of NAT units. Staying proactive with maintenance ensures your traffic control devices remain in top condition year-round.
   
• Inspect batteries. As the power source for portable traffic signals, batteries must be in good shape. Regular charging is essential for optimal performance, and you should check water levels at least once a month, ensuring there’s always 1/8” of water above the plates. After adding water, charge the unit for 24 to 48 hours. If storing your NAT traffic control units outside, tilt the solar panels south and keep them free of snow.
   
• Inspect trailer components. The trailer components form the foundation of your portable traffic signal’s towing system and are often overlooked. If any critical part is damaged, it could disconnect the trailer from the signal or flagging device. Regularly examine your trailer, including the tongue hitch coupler, locking pins, tongue/draw bar, tires and running lights.

Winterproofing a Construction Zone with NAT

Working construction in the winter doesn’t have to mean increased risks. By winterproofing your work zone, equipping your team with the right gear and using advanced traffic control solutions like NAT’s portable traffic signals, you can significantly reduce hazards on-site. North America Traffic is dedicated to providing traffic control solutions that ensure your work area remains safe all year round. Our all-season product, the PTL2.4X Portable Traffic Signal, is designed to withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -40° C to + 80° C (- 40° F to 176° F). Regular winter maintenance helps this device and our others perform at their best. Log into your dealer account for maintenance checklists for all North America Traffic’s portable traffic signals and flagging devices or send us an email to snag a copy of your winter maintenance checklist. With proper preparation and the right tools, your construction projects can run smoothly, even in tough winter conditions.