A slip-and-fall incident takes a split second, but its repercussions can be long-lasting. Slip-and-fall accidents increase in number with our Northeastern winter weather, but it doesn’t have to be that way for you as long as winter safety for construction workers and others is top of mind.
The best way to have peace of mind? Stock up on winter safety products and use them wisely and regularly.
This article focuses on how three types of products can help keep workers and visitors safe on winter construction job sites: industrial ice melts, snow tarps, and snow and ice removal equipment.
Industrial Ice Melts for Safer Outdoor Surfaces
Ice melt products are forgiving winter safety products. The reason is, they are effective even if you forget or are unable to lay them down before the precipitation arrives.
The most crucial feature of ice melt is the lowest outdoor temperature at which it is still effective. For example, Urea and Peladow melt snow and ice at 15 degrees and -25 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.
Besides the temperature, you need to consider the areas that require ice melt. The corrosive elements of some ice melts can damage concrete and metal, and the product can also be harmful to bushes and other plants.
Other considerations when purchasing ice melt include the size of the areas you need to cover. You’ll need to calculate the square footage for places like:
- Driveways
- Entryways
- Parking lots
- Steps
- Walkways
Finally, think about how you’ll apply the ice melt product. You can easily cover smaller areas by tossing the ice melt from a grain scoop. For large areas, consider a commercial-grade ice melt spreader.
Snow Tarps to Stay One Step Ahead of Winter
Using snow tarps is another way to outwit Old Man Winter. These tarps catch the snow as it’s falling, making it simple to haul away.
Unlike ice melt products, the heavy-duty, reinforced snow tarps don’t work unless you lay them before it snows. After the snow is over, slip the tarp’s outer loops onto a front-end loader or other heavy equipment. Then, lift the tarp away along with hundreds of pounds of snow.
It is important to choose a high-quality snow tarp that will last many years:
- Weather-resistant
- Mildew-resistant
- Tear-resistant
- Heat-sealed and reinforced edges
- Heavy-duty lift straps
When it comes to fighting snow, ice, and cold, snow tarps are just the tip of the iceberg! You can also use other winter protection products like heating pads, reinforced sheeting, and curing blankets to keep concrete, equipment, and workers warm.
Clear Snow and Ice by Hand or by Machine
Despite our best efforts, it’s not always possible to outwit Old Man Winter. Sometimes you’ll need to remove snow by hand or machine with construction snow removal equipment and tools.
Skid-steer and wheel loaders are invaluable for removing the huge mess that storms leave behind if you usually have large construction job sites. Just make sure you have the appropriate snow shovel attachments.
For small parking lots and walkways, professional-grade snow blowers work the best. And for tight areas like entryways, a simple shovel gets the job done quickly and efficiently.
Improve Winter Safety for Construction Workers
With all the dangers that winter weather presents to you, your workers, and job site visitors, it’s essential to stock up on winter safety products. You’ll also appreciate how much faster the job goes when you don’t have to spend time removing snow and ice.
Pro Tool would be glad to help you choose what’s necessary as well as what’s nice to have for harsh winter weather. We have information on all of the items mentioned above, plus a lot more winter products to keep the snow, ice, and cold at bay.
Whether it’s industrial ice melt or construction snow removal equipment, the knowledge and products are at our fingertips! Contact us, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible with quotes and answers to your questions!
