Weather

We have no control over rain, snow, sleet, wind, or sunshine. But we can control what happens on our job as a result of the elements. Some of the biggest problems on construction jobs are caused by wind. Wind probably causes the most accidents. 

WIND  

Everyday winds and unexpected gusts can catch you off guard if you are not prepared. Wind just loves to pick up anything it can and sail it away. So when it’s windy, securely tie or weight down supplies and materials. It’s amazing what a little wind can do. Some gusts can pick up material and carry it several blocks or blow you off a scaffold.    

It seems the higher you go, the stronger the wind. When working at heights, stay away from edges, floor openings, and similar drop-offs where the wind could blow you over. Weight down or otherwise secure material or equipment that can be blown down.  

RAIN  

Rain can play havoc with a construction job. It can turn it into a gigantic mud pie. Water seems to get in everywhere. Rain can ruin building materials and supplies and generally make things down right messy.  Steel gets slippery, equipment gets stuck, and we get wet.   

By covering equipment, materials, tools, supplies and ourselves, we don’t give rain a chance to do as much damage as it could. 

ICE AND SNOW

When we work in colder climates, ice and snow make things slippery. Clean and salt any work surfaces, such as scaffolds and passageways where there is ice and snow. We need the best possible footing we can get. Wear traction grip attachments with your work boots.