Evaluate your safety measures during outdoor winter work
In the construction industry, falls continue to be a serious issue for employers. This becomes an even bigger safety issue when snow and/or ice are present.
Snow and ice removal are performed for several reasons, such as to prevent overloading and collapse. Often workers climb directly onto roofs or other structures and use equipment such as snow blowers, ladders, etc. Other times these operations may be performed from the ground level using snow rakes and shovels.
Also, snow and ice removal operations are often performed under extreme weather conditions (e.g., cold, high winds, icy surfaces). Workers who perform these activities (e.g., building maintenance workers) may have little experience or training on the hazards of such operations or work.
The hazards
Workers performing snow removal operations are exposed to many serious hazards. Based on several OSHA investigations findings, falls cause the most worker fatalities and injuries during snow removal. Workers may fall off roof edges, through skylights, and from ladders and aerial lifts. They may also be injured or killed by a roof collapse.
Workers removing snow face other significant hazards in addition to falls, including:
- Amputations, eye injuries, and other injuries associated with the use of snow blowers and other mechanized equipment;
- Collapses of roofs and other structures;
- Shock/electrocution hazards from contacting power lines or damaged extension cords;
- Musculoskeletal injuries from overexertion; and
- Entrapment and suffocation under falling snow drifts or snow piles.
Fall protection
If possible, use snow removal methods that do not involve workers going on roofs. If that can’t be done, provide fall protection via a guardrail (permanent or temporary) at six feet above the ground per 1926.501. When guardrails aren’t feasible, OSHA says that employers can provide personal fall protection. If personal fall protection is used, instruct workers to put on their harnesses and buckle them snugly before mounting the roof or other elevated work surfaces. Also, remove or mark rooftop or landscaping features that could become trip hazards.
Equipment
The unsafe use of mechanized equipment, such as snow blowers, while removing snow may cause injuries such as amputations and eye injuries. Train workers and ensure that they understand and follow all manufacturers’ instructions to use all mechanical equipment safely. Provide and ensure that workers wear eye protection—items hidden under snow can be thrown by powered equipment that cause serious eye injury. Operate snow removal equipment at reduced speeds due to slippery conditions.
Ladders
Ensure that workers use ladders safely, which includes (but is not limited to):
- Making sure the ladder has a level secure footing,
- Checking the rungs for ice,
- Positioning the ladder at the correct angle,
- Clearing slippery conditions from footwear before climbing,
- Keeping the body inside the ladder rails, and
- Always maintaining three points of contact.
Also, make sure that workers know the route and method they should use to get up and down from a roof in a way that minimizes the risk of falling. The safest location for the ladder might not be the most obvious one, or an alternate method (e.g., an access door or lift) might be available to get on the roof. Safe roof access is as important as having effective fall protection while on the roof.
Some workers may have little experience or training on the hazards of cold-weather operations or work. So, besides doing these safety tips above, make sure you train them about how to work safely in cold-weather conditions.
Key to remember: Every year, workers are killed or seriously injured while performing snow or ice removal from roofs and other elevated structures. Have a plan to keep your workers safe.