Beat the cold on your construction site with these winter safety tips!
Getting through the winter can be tough, and nobody really wants to work outside in freezing temperatures. However, there’s still work that needs to be done during the winter. When you’re working outside on a construction site, it’s important that you take the proper precautions to keep yourself warm and safe. Here are a few of our safety tips for beating the cold this winter!
Wear the Right Clothing
Now is the time to dig your thermal clothing out of the back of the closet! However, just wearing your thermal insulated coveralls is not always enough. Make sure that you are wearing the correct layers of clothing before you enter the construction site. Here’s a guide on what to wear:
- First layer: This layer should be made of a moisture-wicking material that helps draw sweat away from the body.
- Second layer: The next layer should be of a breathable material that insulates the body, like fleece.
- Outer layer: Finally, your outer layer should be a waterproof and windproof jacket. Everything you wear should still allow you to be flexible and comfortable.
- Protective gloves: Be sure to also wear protective gloves, since most workers rely on their hands to get the job done.
- On your feet: Wear an inner sock made of silk, nylon, or thin wool paired with a large outer sock made of polypropylene, which wicks moisture away from your feet. On top of that, wear slip-resistant, insulated boots. You may want to try out some insoles to make sure that your feet are comfortable, especially if you are standing for most of the day.
Take Breaks
It’s important to get the job done quickly, but it’s just as important to make sure that you are not pushing your body past its limits. Be sure to know the signs of hypothermia and get yourself or others to a warm break area if you notice any of these signs. Here’s what to look for:
- Shivering (shivering will stop as hypothermia worsens)
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Hunger
- Lack of coordination
- Increased heart rate
- Clumsiness
- Slurred speech
If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to take a break in a warm area until you feel better. It also helps to bring warm, carb-heavy foods for lunch to keep your body energized.
ABOUT RELIABLE CONTRACTING
Reliable is dedicated to delivering quality products, displaying professionalism within the firm, seeking new opportunities for expansion and profitability, and providing an environment for individual success. If you have a commercial or residential construction project that you need taken care of, please contact Anne Arundel County’s largest site-work contractor today by calling 410-987-0313 or visiting our website. You can also follow Reliable Contracting on Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter!
Reliable Contracting Company serves the following and surrounding counties: Annapolis, Queen Anne’s, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Howard, Prince George, St. Mary’s, Talbot, and Washington D.C.