Construction risks in winter stem mainly from the short days, dark evenings, and colder weather. Working with dangerous construction equipment is risky at any time of year, but safety precautions become even more important during periods of snow and ice.[7] We’re here to share some winter safety tips for construction workers and explain how pre-settlement funding could help you cover your costs if you’re waiting for a construction injury claim ruling.
Winter Safety Risks and OSHA Guidelines
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration publishes guidelines to help reduce construction risks in winter. These guidelines cover the precautions employers should take, including:[1]
- Preparing for extreme weather.
- Preventing slips on snow and ice.
- Protecting against harmful exposure to cold temperatures.
- Reducing the risk of cold stress and injury.
- Maintaining safety when working with or around heavy equipment.
- Maintaining safety when working near downed trees or other environmental hazards.
Employer Responsibilities for Winter Safety
Federal law states that employees are entitled to work in a safe environment and that employers must provide their workers with adequate training, safe tools, and equipment.[2] If you’ve suffered an injury at work due to your employer’s negligence, you may be able to apply for a slip and fall at work settlement.
While you wait for settlement approval, consider requesting workplace accident settlement funding. This cash advance can help cover the costs of medical care or loss of earnings due to your injury.
State-by-State Winter Construction Injury Statistics
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 22 fatal workplace injuries occurred in 2020 due to ice, sleet, or snow. This figure totals nearly half of all weather-related injuries from that year.[3]
Since operating heavy machinery in icy conditions is more risky, scaffolding accident lawsuits and crane accident lawsuits may be more likely in winter wintry conditions. However, construction workers face exposure to many risks in the winter, and heavy machinery isn’t always necessarily one of them. The American Heart Association reports that even shoveling snow may heighten the chances of heart attack or cardiac arrest.[4]
Aside from physical exertion, workers clearing snow from roofs before conducting repairs face the risk of slipping or the roof collapsing due to the weight of the snow. Slip and fall lawsuit settlements may occur if a worker suffers an injury due to falling on an icy surface.
Hypothermia, cold stress, and frostbite pose a threat to those working outdoors for long periods. Construction workers in temperatures under 32 degrees Fahrenheit are susceptible to getting frostbite, and depending on the wind chill, workers can experience symptoms within 30 minutes of cold weather exposure.[5]
Other construction risks in winter include:[1]
- Removing downed trees: Winter weather and winds cause trees to fall. The debris may block roadways or damage power lines. Hazards of this removal include electrocution, falls, or injury during the use of chippers or chainsaws.
- Repairing downed or damaged power lines: Damp conditions can increase the risk of electrocution when working near or with damaged power lines.
- Working near snowy or ice-covered roads: Working by the roadside is dangerous any time of year, but during icy conditions, the risk of motorists losing control of their vehicles is even greater. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, snow, slush, and sleet account for over 116,800 car accident injuries each year. Snowfall is another driving factor for vehicle collisions, totaling aroundinjuring nearly 76,000 people annually.[6]
Winter safety training for construction workers is essential to help avoid these injuries. Employers should provide safety equipment and regular training, and workplace policies must reflect the importance of health and safety.
Winter Construction Safety Best Practices
No matter the time of year, it’s important to follow health and safety best practices. However, the winter months make a safety-first approach even more important. Consider the following winter safety tips for construction workers:[8]
- Limit exposure to cold conditions where possible.
- Always wear proper protective equipment.
- Use safety equipment when working at heights.
- Don’t use damaged tools or machinery.
- Follow best practices when working around large vehicles or heavy machinery.
- Wear appropriate footwear when working in icy conditions.
- If you see anything you think is unsafe, alert your supervisor immediately.
What Can You Do?
If you have an ongoing lawsuit surrounding injuries sustained from construction work but worry about your ability to cover your bills, call USClaims. Pre-settlement funding helps claimants access some of their awards before their cases are complete.
If you choose to work with USClaims for slip and fall on ice lawsuit funding, we first evaluate your case. If you qualify for funding, we buy a portion of your award from you in return for access to funds today. See our settlement funding FAQs to learn more about how the process works.
Navigating Legal Funding Options After Winter Injuries
If a construction workplace accident left you struggling to cover your expenses, USClaims is here to help. Our pre-settlement funding could be the answer to your financial challenges. To learn more, apply online today or call USClaims to discuss your options.
The availability of pre-settlement funding varies by state. Contact USClaims for more information.
Sources
- “Winter Weather.” Introduction | Occupational Safety and Health Administration, www.osha.gov/winter-weather.
OSH Act of 1970 | Occupational Safety and Health Administration. www.osha.gov/laws-regs/oshact/completeoshact. - “Workplace Deaths From Weather and Atmospheric Conditions : The Economics Daily: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3 June 2022, www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2022/workplace-deaths-from-weather-and-atmospheric-conditions.htm.
- “Snow Shoveling, Cold Temperatures Combine for Perfect Storm of Heart Health Hazards.” American Heart Association, newsroom.heart.org/news/snow-shoveling-cold-temperatures-combine-for-perfect-storm-of-heart-health-hazards.
- Cleveland Clinic Medical. “Frostbite.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15439-frostbite.
- Snow and Ice – FHWA Road Weather Management. https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/weather_events/snow_ice.htm#:~:text=Snow%20and%20ice%20reduce%20pavement,40%20percent%20in%20heavy%20snow.
- Perecman, By David, and 2020 Feb 11. “Cold and Winter Weather-Related Workplace Injuries and Tips to Prevent Them -.” Occupational Health & Safety, ohsonline.com/articles/2020/02/11/cold-and-winter-weatherrelated-workplace-injuries-and-tips-to-prevent-them.aspx.
- “Winter Safety for Construction Workers.” OSHA 8, 24 and 40 Hour HAZWOPER, HAZMAT, DOT, RCRA Courses, hazwoper-osha.com/blog-post/winter-safety-for-construction-workers#:~:text=Workers%20should%20wear%20warm%20clothing.