After a long, hot summer, many people welcome the winter with open arms, but the new season comes with its own challenges for construction workers and site managers. Damp, frigid temperatures have an impact on productive workers, equipment use, and site safety. This can cause delayed progress, compromising the overall timeline for a construction project and increasing the risk of financial loss.

 

To prevent this, construction managers can do forecast research and can take action now to obtain additional HVAC equipment to provide safe temperature control on site. In fact, weather trends show the Northeast is likely to experience more rain, sleet, and snow this winter, while the Midwest and Pacific Northwest are expected to experience colder-than-normal temperatures and more precipitation.

 

Construction sites in the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest regions will likely need portable heaters to ensure workplace safety and productivity before the winter season begins.

Common Winter Challenges on Construction Sites

There are many winter safety concerns for workers on construction sites. From cold stress illnesses and fall hazards to traffic accidents and equipment failure, workers may experience more site risks due to the natural impacts of winter: freezing temperatures, increased rain, snowfall, sleet, icy conditions, and more.

 

The most common winter hazards to construction worker include:

 

• • Hypothermia, Frostbite, and Trench Foot: These conditions are caused by chronic exposure to frigid temperatures over a long period of time, which leads to body temperature drops and freezing skin and limbs causing permanent tissue damage.

• Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards: Icy and snowy surfaces greatly increase slip and fall risks, which are already a leading cause of construction injuries, especially on elevated work surfaces.

• Equipment and Site Risks: Electrocution risks increase during the winter caused by damaged power lines, and roofs and other structures can collapse under heavy snow loads.

 

Studies show temperatures at 50ºF and lower can cause workers to experience increased discomfort on the job, reduce performance and productivity, and lead to long-term health problems. Without the right protective clothing or climate control equipment, all people – and especially those over 65 years old, women, and those of African or Indigenous descent – are more likely to suffer in cold weather work sites.

 

Apart from workers, construction companies are also more exposed to risk in the winter time, including:

 

• Financial Risks: Winter weather can cause increased project costs due to more fuel use and specialized equipment to withstand cold temperatures.

• Project Timeline Risks: Sites may experience more weather-induced project delays, leading to slower progress, missed deadlines, or even contract penalties.

• Equipment and Material Risks: Freezing temperatures can cause machinery to malfunction or be damaged in extreme cold or accumulated snow and ice.

• Liability Risks: The chance of workers’ compensation claims from cold-related injuries increases in the winter. 

 

To limit these risks, construction companies and site leaders should implement comprehensive winter safety plans to maintain profitability and worker safety during the challenging winter months.

Safety First: Proactive Measures to Prepare for Winter

The best way to prepare for winter is through proactive planning. Construction leaders must ensure the site is equipped to handle cold weather before it arrives to save time, save money, reduce safety hazards, and prevent financial loss.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Equipment

Before winter hits, assess all existing heating equipment. Check that all heaters are up-to-date and well-maintained. Ideally, portable heating units are the best solution for construction sites due to these units being easy to use, operate, and relocate depending on the need.

Step 2: Strategize How and When to Secure HVAC Units

The best time to invest in purchasing or renting heating units is ahead of the cold season, beating the competition, demand, and surge pricing. Look for units that can provide several benefits in one, like power, lighting, heating, and material drying. This will ensure the equipment can be used no matter the weather challenge. Work with a portable HVAC supplier that not only sells units but also provides quick shipping and around-the-clock customer service and technical support.

Step 3: Choose the Right Heater for Your Construction Site

When it comes to finding the best equipment for your specific construction site and needs, take into account the unit efficiency, performance, and safety. Look for units that provide heat without adding harmful fumes or unnecessary moisture to the work environment. In a construction setting, safety is the top priority, and a portable heater should have several safety and durability features.

Withstand Winter with this New 3-in-1 Heater Trailer

The Flagro FVO-400LTRC is a portable heater trailer that provides three benefits in one durable unit: heating, lighting, and power generation. This 3-in-1 heater trailer is ideal for tough environments like construction sites, emergency settings, and remote locations. Easy to transport and built for efficiency, the FVO-400LTRC is your reliable, portable heating solution. 

 

The heater trailer’s key features include:

 

• 390,000 BTU/h heat output
• 15-foot light tower
• 300-gallon fuel tank
• 8kW generator
• 4,000 CFM air circulation
• 16-gauge stainless steel heat exchanger
• 12-inch duct outlets
• 16-inch inlet for efficient heat distribution
• Single axle with 15-inch rims
• 3-inch pintle hitch
• Safety chains

 

This portable trailer heater is a game-changer for construction sites battling brutal winter weather. With powerful heating, lighting, power, and safety features, this portable unit is easy to tow and set up for continuous performance, no matter how frigid the temperatures become.

Secure Heating Solutions with TEMP-AIR® Equipment Sales

TEMP-AIR® Equipment Sales is committed to providing portable HVAC solutions for construction sites, especially during those challenging winter months. Whether your project requires a temporary heating solution or full climate control needs, we offer a wide range of portable heaters, including the versatile FVO-400LTRC.

 

Most importantly, our team is always ready to provide expert consultation and hands-on support to help you find the best units for your needs, ensuring that your construction site stays safe, productive, and efficient.

 

Contact TEMP-AIR® Equipment Sales today or request a quote on the new FVO-400LTRC. With 24/7 customer service and a wide selection of portable climate control equipment, we are proud to be your trusted partner in winter construction site safety.