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City Construction Co., Inc.

Office Address: 50 S 1st Ave, Ste 110, Coatesville, PA 19320
Shop Address: 172 Newlinville Road, Coatesville, PA 19320
Phone: (610) 269-9530
Email: hzimmerer@cityconstructionco.com

Helpful Links:

Employee Website: https://cityconstructionco.com/index.php/employees
OSHA: OSHA Topics | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
City’s Health and Safety Manual: City Construction Co., Inc.’s Health & Safety Manual
City’s Employee Guidelines: Employee Guidelines

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Snow Removal in Construction

Overview of Topic

Snow removal on construction sites can pose significant hazards, including slips, trips, falls, exposure to extreme cold, and even equipment-related accidents. It is important to take appropriate safety precautions when performing snow and ice removal on job sites. OSHA does not have specific regulations for snow removal, but the general duty clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act) requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards, including those posed by winter conditions.

Inspection Before Use Requirements

Before starting snow removal, it’s important to:

Inspect snow removal equipment such as plows, blowers, and shovels to ensure they are in good working condition.
Ensure proper footwear is being worn to prevent slips and falls.
Examine walking and working surfaces for hidden hazards, such as icy patches or buried objects.
Check the area for power lines or overhead hazards if snow removal is performed from elevated surfaces like roofs.

Use Requirements

Clearing Paths: Create clear paths for workers and vehicles to move around the site safely. Snow should be removed from walkways, entrances, and critical areas, and de-icing materials (salt, sand, or grit) should be applied as necessary.
Ladder and Scaffold Safety: If working on elevated surfaces, ladders, scaffolds, and aerial lifts should be cleared of snow and ice to prevent falls. Workers should always follow fall protection protocols when working at heights.
Heavy Equipment Operation: When using snow removal equipment, such as skid steers, loaders, or snow plows, ensure that operators are trained and follow safety guidelines. Keep bystanders clear of operating equipment.

General Industry Rules Applicable to Construction

The following general safety measures apply during snow removal in construction:

Cold Stress Prevention: Ensure workers are dressed appropriately for cold conditions and have access to warm, dry areas for breaks. Be mindful of symptoms of cold stress, such as frostbite or hypothermia.
Work/Rest Cycles: Establish work/rest schedules to prevent overexertion in extreme cold and encourage regular breaks in warm environments.
Visibility and Communication: Workers operating equipment or working in areas with poor visibility due to snow should wear high-visibility clothing. Ensure that all workers maintain clear communication during snow removal activities, especially around machinery.

Other Safety Rules

Preventing Falls from Heights: Snow and ice removal from roofs or elevated surfaces can be particularly dangerous. Workers should use fall protection equipment (guardrails, fall arrest systems, or personal fall protection) when working at heights.
Shoveling and Overexertion: Manual snow removal by shoveling can lead to fatigue or injury. Encourage workers to take breaks, use proper lifting techniques, and rotate tasks to prevent overexertion.
Roadway and Traffic Hazards: Workers clearing snow near roadways or site traffic should establish proper traffic control measures, such as cones, signs, or barricades, to keep vehicles at a safe distance from workers.

Specific Regulations

There are no OSHA-specific regulations for snow removal in construction, but the following general standards should be applied:

Walking-Working Surfaces: 29 CFR 1926.501
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): 29 CFR 1926.28
General Duty Clause: Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act

Employee Training

Training for workers involved in snow removal should include:

Hazard Identification: Recognizing potential hazards, such as icy surfaces, overhead power lines, hidden objects under the snow, and the dangers of operating snow removal equipment.
Cold Weather Protection: Understanding cold stress prevention strategies, including wearing appropriate clothing, recognizing the signs of frostbite and hypothermia, and following work/rest cycles in cold weather.
Safe Snow Removal Practices: Proper use of snow removal equipment (plows, blowers, shovels), safe shoveling techniques, and the importance of clearing walkways, ladders, and scaffolds.
Fall Protection: Training on the use of fall protection systems when working on roofs or elevated surfaces to clear snow and ice.
Emergency Procedures: Knowing the proper response in the event of cold-related illness, equipment malfunction, or accidents related to snow removal.

Training Tips

Use visual aids and demonstrations to show proper snow removal techniques and PPE use.
Encourage workers to share their experiences and tips for dealing with winter weather conditions on the job site.

By following these guidelines and ensuring that workers are properly trained, you can prevent accidents and injuries during snow removal operations. Always prioritize safety during winter weather conditions on the construction site.