There’s probably nothing worse in scaffolding than it being 4pm in December, your making progress with a job, but before you know it, not only has temperatures dropped but daylight too. If you’re not properly lit, you're not just working blind, you're risking injury.
The days grow shorter towards the end of October, which means it’s not until March that we’ll start to experience the glorious early sunrise and late sunsets again. However, that’s 20 weeks away, or 140 days of limited daylight, restricted visibility, increased risk of trips and falls, icy, slippery surfaces, and a rising sense of fatigue.
Winter turns even simple tasks into major safety risks, especially when working at height. The cold air brings a range of factors that can affect both materials and safety. For example, wooden scaffolding materials may warp or distort in the chill, while metal components can become brittle and more prone to damage. These changes can compromise the stability of scaffolding, making it crucial to take extra precautions during colder months.
Freezing temperatures pose a significant risk to everyone, but they are especially dangerous for industries like scaffolding and construction. In these conditions, equipment components, such as fall arrest blocks or brake pulleys, are at risk of freezing, turning everyday tasks into hazardous dangers. However, workers on the ground are not immune to winter's rage. Reduced visibility can increase the likelihood of accidents, with workers potentially injuring themselves by colliding with low scaffolding poles or tripping over other pieces of equipment.
While there are several factors to consider for enhancing safety during the winter months, this article will focus specifically on one key area: visibility. We'll explore practical solutions you can implement on your site to improve visibility, making it easier and safer to work through the colder season. By addressing this issue, you can reduce the risk of injuries and ensure that both your site and your team are properly safeguarded.
Here's our Top 3 Picks...
1. BIGBEN® Amber Scaffold Light
This innovative scaffold light has been specifically designed to fit quickly and securely to all types of scaffolding and other industrial applications. The battery-powered solution delivers a simple, robust and tamper-proof advantage to any site, allowing safe illumination to important areas where hazards are present.
Additionally, the BIGBEN Scaffold Light delivers a 360-degree polycarbonate lens for maximum visibility and with a prolonged battery life of approximately six months. These lights are an advantage in all seasons, lighting up a site and hazard during those early night falls in the winter and during the summer when you are likely to leave a job before it gets dark, and it will be light when you return the next day.
What’s more is that the BIGBEN Scaffold Light has two operations, flashing or steady. The light is activated by darkness with its integrated photocell. It is also sealed against dust and water, ensuring the longevity of the item and value for money.
The BIGBEN Amber Scaffold Light is also available in red and white.
To view the BIGBEN Amber Scaffold Light, please click here.
2. The Heavy-Duty Scaffold LED Multi-Light
With tight deadlines and busy projects, a lighting solution that you can trust is critical, especially during the colder months. Durability while being cost-effective with minimal maintenance is ideal for most scaffolding and construction sites.
The Scaffold LED Multi Light is the perfect solution for keeping your site safe and efficient. With its extra-long battery life and heavy-duty construction, it’s built to withstand tough conditions, making it virtually indestructible.
Designed for low maintenance, this light automatically switches off when exposed to sunlight, ensuring hassle-free operation. It’s also easy to install, securely attaching to any scaffolding pole with a simple scaffold fitting.
For added flexibility, the Scaffold LED Multi Light comes in both flashing amber and flashing red options, giving you the visibility needed to highlight hazards and improve safety on your site.
This LED Scaffold light comes in colours amber and red.
Click here to view the Heavy-Duty Scaffold LED Multi Light.
3. BIGBEN Hi-Vis Waterproof Jacket
Those cold, dark site days just got a whole lot easier. Introducing the BIGBEN Hi-Vis Waterproof Jacket, an essential piece of clothing which includes several outstanding features to enhance your comfort on the job, making sure you can perform at your best throughout the colder months.
BIGBEN Waterproof Jacket
It’s twin-stitched seams and 300D Oxford PU coated stain-resistant fabric offers extra durability that combines style with function. Its insulatex heat reflective lining panel reflect heat back into the body, helping you stay warm and motivated.
This waterproof work jacket also meets a number of standards, including: EN ISO 20471 Class 3, EN 343 Class 3:1, and ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 TYPE R CLASS 3.
To view the BIGBEN waterproof jacket, click here
At Leach's, we have a wide variety of supplies and equipment that will enhance site safety and worker visibility. Stay safe, warm and motivated through the colder months.
To see our collection of site lighting and heating products, please click here.
If you would like to speak to a member of our friendly team, please email sales@leachs.com or give us a call on 01432 346 800.
