ONSITEVIEW BlogSevere Cold On Construction Sites

How Does Severely Cold Weather Affect Commercial Construction Job Sites?

January 8, 2025

Severely cold weather poses significant challenges to commercial construction job sites, affecting safety, productivity, equipment, and project timelines. Here are the main ways these sites are impacted:

1. Worker Safety and Productivity

• Health Risks: Workers are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related illnesses if proper precautions are not taken. This can lead to decreased productivity and more frequent breaks to stay warm.
• Decreased Efficiency: Cold temperatures often reduce worker dexterity, making tasks like operating machinery or handling tools more difficult.



2. Material Performance

• Concrete Freezing: Freshly poured concrete can freeze before it sets, leading to compromised structural integrity. Construction often requires heaters or insulated blankets to maintain proper curing temperatures.
• Brittle Materials: Materials like plastics, sealants, and some metals may become brittle or harder to work with, potentially causing delays or requiring alternative materials.
• Delayed Deliveries: Snow and ice can disrupt material transportation, delaying the construction schedule.



3. Equipment Issues

• Freezing of Fluids: Heavy machinery, such as excavators and cranes, can experience freezing of hydraulic fluids, leading to mechanical failures or the need for preheating systems.
• Battery Performance: Batteries in power tools and machinery tend to perform poorly in cold weather, requiring additional charging or replacement.
• Tires and Tracks: Frozen or icy terrain can reduce traction, increasing the risk of accidents and damaging equipment.



4. Site Access and Conditions

• Hazardous Terrain: Snow, ice, and frozen ground can make navigating the site difficult, posing slip-and-fall risks or making excavation harder.
• Foundation Work: Frozen soil complicates digging and foundation laying, sometimes requiring thawing techniques or specialized equipment.



5. Project Delays and Costs

• Extended Timelines: Cold weather slows down work, and severe storms may halt it altogether, delaying project completion.
• Increased Costs: Additional measures like heaters, insulation, and weatherproofing equipment increase the budget.



6. Legal and Contractual Implications

• Delays caused by extreme weather can lead to disputes over project timelines or penalties for late completion. Contracts often include force majeure clauses to address such issues.



Mitigation Strategies

• Weatherproofing: Temporary enclosures, heated workspaces, and insulation.
• Protective Gear: Providing workers with adequate cold-weather clothing.
• Equipment Care: Using antifreeze fluids and pre-heaters for machinery.
• Adjusting Schedules: Shifting certain tasks to warmer months or prioritizing indoor work.



Severely cold weather requires careful planning and additional resources to keep commercial construction projects on track while ensuring worker safety and maintaining quality standards.