With the onset of fall weather upon us, the window for winter preparations is closing. At my home, I have been cutting and splitting the firewood I will need, while on the job we have been making strides for temporary enclosures and prepping for paving.
Fortunately at home, I am a season ahead on the firewood. Everything I cut and split this year won’t be needed until the following winter. On our projects, we can also get ahead of the climate by making early adjustments to our schedule and planning. Maybe not a full year, but every week counts in the world of asphalt and enclosures.
Asphalt plants will normally shut operations down for the year after Thanksgiving depending on the temperatures. Every effort to get the base down before closure needs to be made so the site has paved roads and work surfaces. This allows equipment and personnel to move and operate more efficiently during the winter months.
The same is also true for interior work. Having temporary enclosures up and heat ready to burn will allow finishes to continue through the coldest months without sacrificing time to the project schedule. Coordinating permanent permanent utilities to the building as early as possible will ensure a productive winter.
Fighting through winter conditions safely is must. Cold and wet weather can create tricky footing. Taking a few minutes each morning to discuss a safe work plan then executing the plan is the best way to be sure work is completed on time and safely.
Remember to plan for winter in the spring, and execute your plan as early as possible to beat the cold wet months of winter. Working through rain, snow, and driving winds while trying to prepare for finishes cuts production and creates the potential for injuries. Making sure workers have a comfortable work environment will help them stay sharp, positive, and safe.
Tom WhitakerProject Superintendent
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