Adapting to Seasonal Light Changes for Construction Site Safety

Tags: Tools, construction safety

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Each year, construction employees must adjust to seasonal light changes. The conclusion of daylight savings time means earlier sunsets — and more safety hazards. Ensure construction site safety by understanding potential risk factors and practices. 

How do Seasonal Light Changes Affect Construction Safety?

In a high-risk job like construction, focus and precautionary measures are vital to safety and success. The shift in seasonal light can do more than alter your internal clock — it can impact your mental and physical capability on the job. Light changes can lead to:

Increased Accidents

Construction can be dangerous even in daylight. As the days grow shorter, more employees work in darkened conditions, contributing to higher accident rates. The industry had 1,056 fatalities in 2022, the second-highest number of accidents and workplace deaths. The most common cause was falls, trips and slips, injuries that increase in the dark. 

Mental Health Changes

Whether you or someone you know struggles with mental health, it is important to acknowledge the role seasonal patterns play on the human mind. Mental health struggles can impact all people, including construction workers. In 2020, 83% of contractors reported a mental health struggle, emphasizing its significance in the field. Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a common contributor. Many individuals with SAD report more apparent symptoms in the winter because of fewer daylight hours. 

Sleep Loss and Fatigue

Although the end of daylight savings technically gives you back an hour of sleep, most people experience increased drowsiness and sleep loss from the change. Time changes disrupt your body’s 24-hour clock by altering natural light exposure, causing circadian misalignment. This misalignment can alter energy levels for one week, contributing to sleep loss and on-site fatigue.  

Best Safety Practices for Contractors During Light Changes

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You can use many resources to develop a construction site safety checklist. Implement the following eight practices into your work routine:

1. Adjust Your Work Schedule

Maximizing daylight usage is the most important thing you can do for construction site safety. If possible, shift your schedule so you complete all or most of your work hours while the sun shines. This can decrease your risk of injury and help your internal clock. 

2. Install Emergency Lighting

Adding emergency light structures to your worksite is an easy way to improve safety measures. Battery-powered lighting should be placed in exits, near fire safety features and on staircases. Well-lit areas ensure you and your co-workers’ safety in an emergency. 

3. Conduct Regular Safety Checks

Safety checks are crucial to employee safety in any industry. One of the main reasons for falls in construction is failure to comply with rules and regulations, which some companies ignore, jeopardizing worker safety. Encourage your company to hire safety officers to assess site compliance and implement routine internal checks. 

4. Wear and Provide High Visibility Clothing

High-visibility clothing is vital to your safety on the job. Wear bright yellow, green or orange safety garments to ensure others can spot you in the dark. Special construction clothing is highly reflective, allowing drivers, workers and pedestrians to see you from their location. You can wear coveralls, pants, gloves, vests and headwear — anything that increases your visibility. 

5. Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep is a contributing factor to a multitude of health problems and safety risks, including construction site injuries. Studies report that 69% of employees are tired at work, many in safety-critical jobs like contracting. Save yourself from fatigue-produced errors by creating a healthy sleep routine so you get enough rest. 

6. Work in Pairs

Working alone is dangerous, especially in the dark. Make it a personal rule to work in the company of a co-worker. They could be working on the same task or simply be nearby. This way, you have someone with you to call 911 in case of an emergency or to lend a helping hand. 

7. Properly Train Employees

A variety of errors can occur when employees are not adequately trained. Whether you are a business owner or employee, encourage your company to implement regular drills and refresher courses to ensure efficient safety practices. You can follow OSHA’s training requirements and resources to maximize safety during seasonal light changes. 

8. Monitor Weather Forecasts

Shifts in light patterns usually correlate with weather changes, leading to fluctuating temperatures that may impact your safety. It is essential to understand your climate zone so you know what changes to expect and how to adjust to the weather accordingly. Make a habit of checking your weather app daily so you know how to approach your workday. 

What Tools Can Enhance Construction Site Safety During Seasonal Light Changes?

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There are tools and systems you can utilize when preparing for light shifts to increase your safety and productivity, including:

• Signs, cones and flags: Protect yourself and your crew by setting up signs, cones and flags around your construction site. They should be prominently displayed, easy to understand and strategically placed. 

• LED light towers: Light up your construction site with light towers, including engine-driven, solar-powered, metal halide or electric LED lights. Each tower can brighten your work area, increasing visibility and safety. 

• Automated technology: Advanced technology can aid your transition into diminishing light changes by adjusting temperature, lighting, air quality and more. Autonomous operators use AI to control equipment, which can reduce the likelihood of accidents and the need for human labor during dark hours. 

• Anti-slip mats: You can use anti-slip mats for a simple safety solution. They are designed to increase traction and help you keep your footing, reducing the likelihood of falls and preventing on-site safety hazards. Mats can be especially helpful when adjusting to time changes, as they add an extra layer of protection during your transition. 

Ensure Construction Site Safety With Seasonal Adjustments

Adjusting to changing light patterns can take time, but implementing proper precautions and following the necessary procedures can help you transition safely. Make safety your top priority with tools and resources for a successful construction season.