Are Construction Workers At Risk During Winter Months?

There is some degree of risk that comes with working as a construction worker. If you work in construction, you’re likely aware of the most common risks. The winter months can increase the risk of working in construction. Understanding what these are, and how you can avoid them, can help you stay safe all year.

Common Winter Risks for Construction Workers

There are a few factors that increase the risks for construction workers in the winter months, including:

• Shorter days: Shorter, winter days mean it gets darker earlier. Depending on your work schedule, this may mean that your workday includes working in the dark.
• Freezing temperatures: Construction workers spend a lot of their workdays outdoors. With the temperature dropping near zero degrees in the winter, this can lead many to spend hours in freezing temperatures.
• Heavy snowfall: New Jersey gets its fair share of snowfall. Heavy snowfall can make it difficult to use machinery or to climb high heights.
• Icy conditions: Icy conditions can also be a risk to construction workers. It can make it difficult to use heavy machinery or even drive a normal vehicle.

The winter months in New Jersey can be harsh at times. It can make an already difficult job even more hazardous. The most dangerous situations for construction workers in the winter months are using heavy machinery, climbing high heights, removing snow from roofs, and removing downed trees.

How Construction Workers Can Stay Safe in Winter

There are a few things that construction workers can do to stay safe while working in the winter months, including:

1. Wear the Right Gear

If your job requires that you spend a lot of time outdoors in the winter months, choosing the right work gear is important. Heavy materials that provide insulation can keep you warm. You also want to choose a good pair of work boots that are anti-slip.

2. Know When to Stop

Sometimes, winter conditions can become too much and too dangerous. It’s important to have a plan in place so you know when to stop working. If you’re feeling overly fatigued or the conditions just make it too difficult for you to do your job, take a break and return when it’s safe to do so.

3. Change Your Work Schedule

If your work schedule primarily includes evening hours, it may make sense to adjust your schedule in the winter months. Work when the sunlight is out for the added warmth or to avoid dark conditions. If changing your schedule isn’t possible, consider adjusting your work duties in the winter months. Complete harder tasks during the day when the sunlight is out.

Know How To Handle a Construction Accident

Knowing how to handle a work accident can help you receive the medical care you need faster, while also ensuring that you protect your rights. Work accidents can be expensive, but you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. If you’re injured in an accident this winter, the first thing to do is receive medical care. Then, consider your options, including workers’ compensation.

Contact a Woodbridge Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Discuss Your New Jersey Workplace Injury Case

A workplace injury can be devastating, particularly if it prevents you from returning to work for an extended period of time. Although New Jersey Workers’ Compensation laws are supposed to provide you with reimbursement for medical expenses and replacement pay for missed time at work, it is not always easy to get the Workers’ Comp benefits you deserve. That is why you should speak with a knowledgeable Workers’ Compensation lawyer about your situation and get guidance throughout the claims process. The experienced Workers’ Compensation attorneys at Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A. represent clients in Edison, Woodbridge, Old Bridge, Piscataway, and all across New Jersey. Call (732) 906-1500 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation about your work injury case. Our main office is located at 1862 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820, and we also have offices in Brick, Freehold, and Point Pleasant Beach, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.