Working safely in ice and snow

Cold, slippery floors, and poor visibility: Working outdoors in winter puts even greater strain on your health than usual. The BG BAU explains how employees can stay safe and healthy even in sub-zero temperatures.

This article is part of the special topic Occupational safety in the company

Tradespeople like bricklayers, roofers, or road builders know the problem all too well, because on construction sites is it winter specifically dangerous. Ice on scaffolding, snow on the roof, or frozen paths make every movement risky, and it's easy to slip or fall. Therefore, extra care must be taken outdoors in winter to avoid injuries. Especially in frost and fog, tools and colleagues are difficult to see, leading to mistakes. 

"Safety in winter This is no coincidence. Cold, snow, and darkness make everyday work on construction sites more difficult, and they can lead not only to more Accidents “They can not only lead to serious health problems, but also put a strain on health,” emphasizes Hans-Jürgen Wellnhofer, acting head of the main prevention department of the Professional Association of the Construction Industry (BG BAU). "Low temperatures also affect the Concentration and performance capacity, which can further endanger the safety of employees. It is important that companies and employees work together to adapt working conditions to winter conditions. Even small Measures, such as clear processes, suitable protective gear and Warm-up times, prevent accidents and reduce health risks." 

The BG BAU therefore advises companies to prepare construction sites for winter in good time. Risk assessment Companies must identify accident and health hazards for their employees and implement appropriate occupational safety measures. These include, for example:

• Adequate lighting
  According to the "Technical rule for workplaces "ASR A3.4 Lighting and visual connection""Traff routes require a brightness of at least 20 lux and workplaces up to 500 lux, depending on the activity.
  
  
• Safe transport routes and workplaces
  Businesses should regularly inspect access routes to construction sites and workplaces and clear them of snow, slush, and dirt as needed. Access routes should be drained and reinforced. Gravel or similar materials are suitable for this purpose. non-slip matsEven on scaffolding, a non-slip surface should be ensured. Particular attention should be paid to securing non-walkable skylights on roofs. These should be cordoned off, covered, or secured with netting, as even a thin layer of snow can obscure them, making them a fall hazard. 
  
  
• Warm break rooms and toilets
  Heated common rooms offer the opportunity to change, dry, and store clothes, and to warm up in between. According to the "Technical rule for workplaces "ASR A3.5 Room temperature"" are for break rooms and toilets 21 degrees Celsius are required for operation.
  
  
• Work adapted
  On particularly cold days, activities that involve little movement or work in awkward positions should be avoided. If possible, outdoor work should be rotated, or tasks should be moved to warmer areas, such as indoors or into a heated driver's cab. Employees should regularly Breaks for warming up . make 
  
  
• Warm clothing
  It offers construction workers protection from cold, wind, and wet weather. In addition to jackets, trousers, winter boots, hats, and gloves, thermal underwear can also be useful when working outdoors. Cold weather and protective clothing is loud "DGUV Regulation 1 Accident Prevention Regulation Principles of Prevention" is Employer responsible.
  
  
• Preparing vehicles for winter
  Dazu gehören winter tires With sufficient tire tread, antifreeze in the windshield washer fluid, and an ice scraper and snow brush in the vehicle. In mountainous regions, the use of snow chains is also advisable.

The Technical rule for workplaces "ASR A5.1 Workplaces in not fully enclosed workplaces and workplaces outdoors" supports Employers are being encouraged to systematically identify the safety and health risks posed by weather conditions and to rateThe recommendation for assessing the risks posed by cold, published simultaneously by the Committee for Workplaces, contains numerous practical measures, which make outdoor activities safer in winter. Further information: BG BAU topic page

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