Some people think that laying concrete is the only challenge we face during the winter months. And while it may be the most well-known winter problem in construction, it ain’t the only one!
Many a hurdle are faced by the construction industry in general in the wintertime. The major hit; manpower. Here are the biggest reason why.
Cold and Hindered Capability
Cold can cripple dexterity in extremities and limbs which obviously plays a major role in the construction industry. Even just a minor drop in temperature can decrease performance in the hands, feet and body movement in general.
Thorough research shows that when temperatures are lower than 52° F (or 11° C), dexterity performance decreases by 52-55%.[1] Just imagine what kind of impairment occurs at 40° F! Worker performance is easily decreased by three times compared to performance in warmer temperatures.
Winter liners, gloves, heavily insulated boots and even heating pads, can ensure proper circulation of the blood to those limbs. Additionally, frequent, short breaks in a warmer break environment is also proven to keep body temperatures warm.
Slippery Snow and Ice
This is the beat of winter every construction industry must dance to. From thin layers of ice to heaping piles of snow, these are the elements that are mostly responsible for the decreased performance in the winter. They cover everything from the roads used to get to work to the construction site, machines and even impending hazards. Frost makes it hard when digging foundations. Lots of time is wasted and injuries occur from snow and ice.
Veiled Visibility
You can’t make what you can’t see. And as we all know, snowfall can be blinding at times and can completely reduce visibility. In this case, construction can come to a halt, since it is not possible to see clearly and can lead to mistakes and injuries.
Freezing Temps and Utility Performance
Concrete, utilities, and other tools don’t perform optimally in cold temperatures. Utilities and tools can jam while concrete will require insulation and ground heaters.
We’d love to hear some of the issues or ways winter has affected you. Have you faced any of the above issues? What about other impacts? Let us know in the comments below.
[1] https://ergoweb.com/effect-of-cold-temperatures-on-dexterity/
