Working in cold weather and snow has many safety implications for construction workers and OSHA has specific regulations related to these hazards.
Snow removal is typically a maintenance activity regulated under OSHA’s general industry standards, 29 CFR 1910, however, on construction sites where snow must be removed in order to begin or continue construction work, OSHA’s standards at 29 CFR 1926 apply, including residential construction sites.
General snow removal precautions include:
- Inspecting surfaces weighted down by snow to determine if it is structurally sound for workers to access it. A competent person should determine if the surface is at risk of collapse.
- Using snow removal methods that do not involve workers going on roofs, when and where possible.
- Evaluating loads exerted on roof or structure (including total weight of snow) compared to the load limit of the roofs.
- Requiring that workers use fall protection equipment.
- Ensuring that workers use ladders and aerial lifts safely.
Mechanized Equipment
The unsafe use of mechanized equipment, such as snow blowers, while removing snow from roofs is highly dangerous as is the process of raising materials to the roof using aerial lifts in slick conditions. While safe ladder practices can be adapted for snow and winter weather, OSHA reminds workers that a snow rake or shovel should not be used while on a ladder as the risk of fall greatly increases.
OSHA recommends the following safe work practices for mechanized equipment:
- Do not use powered equipment near the edge of any roof. Some snowblower manufacturers recommend maintaining a distance of 15 feet from the roof edge.
- Operate snow removal equipment at reduced speeds due to slippery roof conditions.
- Keep hands out of the collection or discharge openings on powered snow removal equipment—equipment such as snowblowers can cause amputations. If equipment becomes clogged, shut it off, wait until all moving parts have stopped, then use a clearing tool to unclog, as required by 1926.302(c).
Hidden Electrical Hazards
Workers may face electrical hazards such as electrocution and electric shock from hidden power lines or snow removal equipment. Workers should always treat power lines and wires as energized, even if they are down or appear to be insulated. Specific regulations include:
- Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from any power line, as required by 1910.333(c)(3).
- Make sure that all electrically powered equipment is grounded.
- When using aerial lifts, maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet away from the nearest energized overhead lines, as required by 1910.333(c)(3).
- If servicing equipment becomes necessary, isolate the energy following lockout/tagout procedures (for example, one method is to disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the machine), as required by 1910.147 and 1926.417).
Hypothermia and Frostbite
Cold weather precautions are often common-sense measures but the risk of hypothermia and frostbite is especially relevant to construction workers in winter months. Proper clothing, hydration and frequent breaks are the first line of defense. OSHA has several resources for training workers to stay safe under these conditions.
For more information, contact Diversified Safety Services.
