Marley is offering some seasonal advice on how to keep safe on site this winter
Here in the UK, very harsh weather – from torrential rain and wind to freezing temperatures and snow – is not uncommon during the winter months. Add to that the speed and unpredictability that conditions can change and you’ve got potentially serious issues for those working on site, especially at height.
Although we cannot avoid what nature throws at us, Marley is urging professional roofers to fully prepare for the difficult working conditions that come hand-in-hand with the winter months, with its ‘Winter Safety’ campaign.
Be alert
Construction sites are hazardous environments, with heavy machinery and power tools in constant use and, of course, people working at height.
Winter has the potential to get nasty, with temperatures plummeting to below zero, heavy rainfall plus strong winds to contend with. For roofers, who are highly exposed on site anyway, winter can have a significant negative impact on their health, safety and wellbeing.
Daniel Redfern, Marketing Manager at Marley said: ‘With roofing contractors working for long periods of time outdoors, often in difficult and dangerous weather conditions, we are committed to providing useful, straight-forward advice, highlighting the risks and showing how to minimise them.
‘The good news is that, with a little preparation, the effects of working under harsh winter conditions can be greatly minimised. Making sure you’re aware of what’s coming weather-wise will help you prepare for your time on site.’
Be aware
Preparation is vital for a safe and successfully operational site, with three key areas to consider:
- Watch the weather
Make sure that the weather forecast is monitored on a daily basis so that any poor weather is anticipated and action, if required, is taken. Essential for roofers, working at height platforms and roofs should be regularly checked for ice. If ice is present, work should cease immediately as this is a requirement of the Working at Height Regulations 2005.
In addition, it is worth checking windspeed with a hand-held anemometer, as recommended by the HSE, to avoid dangerous gusts of wind causing falls.
- Keep the heat in
Lower temperatures mean that additional clothing is essential to help counter the impact of cold on the body. Rapid heat loss or reduction in body temperature over time can lead to serious illness and downtime.
Wear least three layers of clothing – a base layer with moisture-wicking properties to draw sweat away from the body; a middle, breathable layer to help insulate and a good wind/waterproof outer layer, that fits well, allows for a full range of movement and gives good elemental protection.
Wet clothing should be changed immediately, whilst gloves should be worn at all times, especially when using ladders or scaffolding as frostbite can occur immediately if extremely cold metal is touched with bare hands.
Finally, it is essential that hot food and drinks are consumed throughout the day to help keep the body’s core temperature at a healthy level.
- Avoid slips, trips and falls
When a surface, such as a scaffolding platform or roof becomes cold, ice can form and present a major slipping hazard, with height only adding to the danger. Such areas need to be treated to avoid slips, trips and falls.
Clearing icy patched with salt or sand improves traction and should be applied when and where needed, whilst extra care should be taken when carrying tools and materials.
Sturdy footwear – such as robust waterproof boots with non-slip soles – should be worn, with warm thick socks for added protection.
For further details on Marley’s Winter Safety campaign visit www.rdr.link
