Cold temperatures can put workers at risk of fall or exposure injuries, and unexpected freezes can damage equipment or materials at your site. Some companies can shut down in the “off-season” until the last blizzard of the spring, but that’s not always possible or preferable.
In New England, removing snow can seem like a nearly full-time occupation come the first winter vortex.
Being able to protect your site, or thaw and remove snow and ice as quickly as possible, is key to protect employees, gear, and your site.
On top of the safety necessity of snow removal and protection, keeping it from piling up in the first place and removing it safely and easily can be a critical factor in preventing avoidable weather delays.
Site-Protection Tactics for the Winter
Protecting equipment, tools, and workers from the elements is an important first step. Taking basic precautions keeps costs down and helps to avoid unnecessary maintenance costs. For example:
- Keeping equipment and tools inside when possible
- Covering any outside equipment and tools with sheeting or snow tarps
- Using antifreeze for any equipment and tools that need it
- Making sure fluids in your equipment are rated for your area’s temperatures and replace if needed
- Taking steps to warm up and test equipment and tools before use
- Keeping sensitive materials, such as adhesives, concrete, shingles, paint, caulk, resins, and epoxies, inside or otherwise protected
Winter Accessories and Apparel
Outfitting your crew with appropriate accessories makes it easier for workers to handle equipment in the cold and prevents injuries and delays.
Before winter gets here, consider providing your crew with accessories such as:
- Winter Jackets
- Winter Gloves
- Hard Hat Liners
- Face Protection
- Winter Work Boots
Job-Site Equipment and Supplies for Cold Weather
While often overlooked, ensuring you are prepared with the right supplies each winter keeps you from getting caught unawares by the first major storm. For example:
- Portable heaters for equipment and workers
- Surface treatment materials: be sure to treat surfaces that are not built from weather-resistant materials to prevent workers from slipping and falling
Snow Removal for Jobsites
Snow Removal for JobsitesEven with the best planning and gear, snow is often unavoidable in a lot of areas of the country. The Pro Group also carries a range of winter snow-removal equipment and supplies to aid with melting and removing snow as quickly as possible.
For example, for snow protection, we carry a range of ice melts.
For snow removal, we offer protective Eagle Industries Snow Removal Tarps, which can avoid hundreds of man-hours from manually removing fresh snow.
Before leaving the site, workers cover all equipment and working surfaces with the snow tarps. In the morning, small poly tarps can be lifted from the site by hand, while large poly tarps can be lifted via crane, quickly removing snow to prevent wasted time and energy.
For larger sites or when you need to move old snowpack, we also offer a range of snow movers and snow plow/pusher attachments.
Keep Your Jobsite Protected This Winter
The Pro Group has your winter jobsite protection needs this season to keep your site operating on-schedule and safely. Whether you’re interested in snow removal tarps or want to look into a variety of equipment, tools, accessories, and educational resources for winter construction, we’re here to answer any questions you have – contact us here.
We can set you up with the construction equipment and materials you need to work through the winter with a minimum of weather-related delays and hardships. Request a quote for rent or supply.
