Five tips for keeping construction sites running in winter

Image: Lowerkase/Dreamstime.com

This year has seen two red weather warnings issued by the Met Office, with last winter the most severe in a decade.

There were up to 20 inches of snow overnight in some areas of the country as well as severe flooding in other parts.

To help construction sites prepare for this winter, health and safety firm Arco has produced a list of top tips to keep businesses up and running:

1. Create a business continuity plan – to help minimise the disruption and impact of extreme weather, ensure you have a ‘worst case scenario’ plan in place. This will ensure you, your customers and employees are not caught out whatever the weather.
2. Be prepared – stock up if needed on items to keep sites clear (salt, snow and water, plus water clearing equipment).
3. Clear sites effectively – use the correct amount of salt for your site and, spread uniformly to ensure maximum effect. Typically, you need 10-20g of de-icing salt per square metre in frosty conditions below 0C. In snow, you will need around 25-40g in 0C to -5C and 40-50g in snow below -5C.
4. Keep staff safe and warm – ensure they know what to do in an emergency, issue winter workwear and PPE with thermal properties, and ensure they have a winter driving kit in their cars.
5. Monitor the situation – sign up for the Met Office and Environment Agency’s weather alerts to ensure you’re are kept up to date, especially if you’re in a high-risk area.