When the temperatures plummet and ice covers the roadways, electrical contractors may need to take extra precautions to safeguard their electricians. Here are some ways that you can support your field workforce and ensure that they get home safely to their families each night.
- Invest in personal protective equipment (PPE). For your electricians who will be working on an outdoor job site, supply them with the proper PPE, which can include hard-hat liners, outerwear, and neck and hand warmers.
- Focus on driving safety. If the electricians are driving company vehicles, ensure the service vans have winter-rated tires and are properly maintained and fueled up for the work day.
- Keep the workers in constant communication. Schedule daily tailboard meetings to discuss potential hazards like frostbite and hypothermia. Also ensure the electricians have access to smart phones and can stay in contact with the rest of the construction team on the job site.
- Watch for slippery sidewalks and driveways. When an electrician makes a residential service call, he or she can slip and fall on the way to the front door. To gain more traction, electricians can wear ice cleats over their boots.
- Ensure your electricians are properly hydrated and rested. Even in the wintertime, it’s important for your workers to drink plenty of water. Also, to avoid extreme cold-related illnesses, encourage your electricians to take rest breaks to warm up, especially if they are on an outdoor construction site.
By taking extra precautions during the wintertime, you can provide a safer and more comfortable work environment for your electricians and reduce the potential for accidents and injuries.
Fischbach is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan. She can be reached at [email protected].
