There’s one golden rule of construction we don’t have to repeat: jobsites are full of hazards. Heavy machinery, loud and harried environments, and a general penchant for the mayhem that comes with so many moving parts create an environment conducive to accidents and injuries. Although federal OSHA regulations address most of the concerns, there’s one hazard that remains above the laws and purview of humanity. Severe weather is the one variable construction crews can’t control. Every year, severe weather kills dozens of construction workers. In 2020 alone, severe weather was responsible for 55 fatal work injuries. While we can’t control the weather, accessible tornado shelters can mitigate burdensome safety risks that plague workers annually. We also understand the temporary nature of jobsites, which begs the question, why buy a shelter when you can rent at a fraction of the cost?
Weathering the Storm and Extreme Temperatures
While damage from tornadoes garners the most attention from newspaper headlines, it’s not the only risk threatening millions of workers nationwide. Blazing afternoon temperatures create life-threatening work conditions for crews toiling away in the hot summer sun. Since 2011, 436 worker deaths have been caused by heat. There’s no escape from the heat during the summer. Scorching temperatures, compounded by high relative humidity, permeate every job facet, debilitating the most ardent workers. But it’s not just the heat you must worry about when protecting workers. Weather occurs on a spectrum. With the towering highs come excruciating lows. While the summer heat presents risks, freezing temperatures can be equally devastating. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures jeopardizes worker productivity and the lives of what matters most: your diligent workforce.
Pro Tip: Wear plenty of layers of thermal wear when working in colder environments. Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated on hotter work days. Also, don’t forget the sun screen!
Heeding the Winds of Change
Although rare, tornadoes wreak the most destruction compared to other severe weather events. Tornadoes love construction sites. Untethered tools, towering scaffolding, vulnerable building exoskeletons that have yet to be reinforced, and the sheer volume of workers meandering through the jobsite make an easy mark for tornadoes. What’s worse is that most tornadoes typically happen in the afternoon, as workers return to work to finish the day. With nowhere to run, workers find themselves at the mercy of unyielding tornadoes that indiscriminately damage whatever is their path. High winds from tornadoes and other severe weather events can lead to devastating results. Even an irregular windy day can stir up dust and other environmental contaminants that can impede the breathing of exposed workers.
Pro Tip: Secure all tools and equipment during windy days. Make sure workers on scaffolding are wearing hardhats and safety harnesses.
Make a Safety Plan
Preparedness will always trump the unexpected. Safety managers should develop a comprehensive safety preparedness team and coarse of action to mitigate the risk of severe weather. Safety managers should select critical members from your business to create a contingency plan to cover every worst-case scenario, optimizing your workers’ safety and the chance of survival. A readily available safety plan will instill confidence within your workforce while improving worker morale and reducing turnover. Your natural disaster plan should be a part of regular training and rehearsed regularly. Moreover, project managers should revisit the safety plan during daily team meetings when severe weather is forecasted. Remember, effective communication is key in not only meeting deadlines, but also saving lives. Project safety managers should also conduct quarterly safety audits to ensure safety compliance and threat mitigation.
Accessible Tornado Shelters for Every Threat and Workflow
Did you know that federal regulations don’t require storm shelters for jobsites? While it might sound counterintuitive by not requiring tornado shelters for vulnerable workers, the reality is many contractors see adequate tornado protection as being cost-prohibitive. “What’s the point in buying a tornado shelter if we’re going to move onto another job in six months,” they ask themselves. But who said you must buy a tornado shelter? U.S. Hazmat Rentals offers short-term shelter rentals that can be conveniently shipped and strategically located at any jobsite without interrupting workflow operations. For a fraction of the purchase price, contractors can lease an affordable accessible tornado shelter while protecting their workforce and bottom line.
Superior Steel Protection for Tornadoes, Wind, Heavy Rains and Lightning
Our rapid deployed mobile tornado shelters are capable of withstanding 250 mph wind-drive projectiles and have been tested by the Texas Tech National Wind Institute. Our accessible tornado shelters and community safe rooms can protect small groups of contractors up to hundreds of vulnerable employees. Comprised of sold 1/4″ steel plates, our customizable safe rooms meet all federal safety regulations. Mobile storm shelters are also great for protecting employees from high winds, lightning, and damaging hail. In addition to remote job sites, our accessible tornado shelters can mitigate severe weather threats for schools, churches, and other community organizations. Contact us today for a free quote and consultation!
