Winter weather still rages strong in many parts of the United States in February, and you must continue to remain vigilant as you promote safety on the construction site.

Whether you’re a veteran construction worker or new to the industry, follow these winter safety tips.

Track the Weather Forecast

Know the weather forecast so you can decide if it’s safe to work outdoors. Check your local weather center and the National Weather Service for accurate temperature and storm information and predictions.

Wear the Right Gear

Multiple clothing layers can be bulky, yet the right gear also keeps you warm, dry and safe as it protects you from hypothermia or frostbite. Start by wearing layers of clothing that manage moisture, protect you from the cold and shield you from the elements. Then add heavy gloves, a hat and sturdy nonslip shoes for added safety.

Check the Work Site

Every morning, spend a few minutes evaluating the work site for hazards. You may need to remove accumulated ice and snow, trim broken tree branches or set up portable heaters. Remember to spread salt, cat litter or sand on the exposed surfaces, too, as you create a safe job site.

Secure a Warm Break Area

Plan to take your breaks in a warm area as you limit exposure and stay safe. Set up a heated tent or trailer or arrange for another warm indoor area near the job site where you can get warm during your work breaks.

Limit Outdoor Exposure

You may be required to work outdoors when temperatures plummet, winds blow and snow falls, but certain conditions make outdoor work dangerous. Try to work indoors during the worst winter weather, work during the warm parts of the day, break large jobs into small tasks or schedule frequent breaks in warm indoor locations so you can stay safe.

Skip the Coffee

Coffee will keep your hands warm, but it also contains caffeine. This chemical can make your heart rate rise, which gives you a false feeling of warmth and can cause you to take unnecessary risks. Drink water instead of coffee as you stay hydrated.

Know the Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite

You and all your co-workers should know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite, two dangers of outdoor exposure, and the procedure getting medical attention quickly if necessary. Those signs include:

• Prickling skin
• Numbness
• Changes in skin color
• Clumsiness
• Shivering
• Slurred speech
• Weak pulse
• Drowsiness
• Confusion

This winter, take several steps to maintain safety on the construction job site. You should also talk to your insurance agent. Update your liability coverage and learn additional tips that keep you safe all winter.

The construction industry relies on independent contractors who perform specialized services like plumbing, painting and drywall installation. To prioritize safety on the job site and ensure quality work, consider implementing a drug testing policy for the independent contractors you hire.

Benefits of Drug Testing

Regular drug testing promotes safety on the job site. Additionally, it improves productivity and quality of work, lowers absenteeism and boosts morale.

Your company also builds your reputation when you implement drug testing for your independent contractors. In certain cases, you can lose contracts and be blacklisted from jobs if your independent contractors work while they’re visibly high or otherwise produce shoddy work because of drug use. Protect your business and reputation when you implement a drug testing policy.

Prepare a Contract

When you work with an independent contractor, you both typically sign a contract that outlines the exact project, timeline and pay rate. Include your drug testing policy in this contract.

Consult your specific state’s laws regarding drug testing as you prepare the contract. Check with your construction insurance agent for details on any drug testing protocols they require, too.

Typically, you may perform a drug test on every new independent contractor and after an accident when you suspect drug use was involved. You may also choose to perform random drug testing if you have reasonable suspicion of drug use, which includes:

• Direct observation of drug use or associated symptoms such as uncoordinated movements, slurred speech or erratic behavior.
• Reports from reliable sources that the independent contractor is using drugs.
• Evidence of tampering with drug test results.

The independent contractors who apply to work for you must agree to your drug testing policy. You are then responsible to enforce it equally for all employees.

Select a Drug Testing Company

Most drug testing occurs in an independent third-party facility that’s certified by the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA). You will schedule the appointment, and the independent contractor is responsible to drive to the facility where he or she will provide a urine sample. You receive test results in several hours or several days depending on the facility and results.

Address the Test Results

If the independent contractor tests positive for drugs or refuses to take the test, you must perform disciplinary action, which can include dismissal. Exceptions include a positive test for prescribed medications that the employee reported and takes responsibly. Outline your dismissal procedure in the employment contract to reduce surprises and liability for improper discipline.

As a construction professional, you must maintain safety and quality on the job site. Drug testing can help, so create a specific drug testing policy for your independent contractors.

A project architect or engineer typically carries responsibility for the design of a house, high rise or other structure. However, contractors now also play a role in project design and may be liable if something goes wrong. Consider the benefits of purchasing professional liability insurance and the process for gaining this valuable coverage for your contractor business.

What is Professional Liability Insurance?

Contractors like you already purchase general liability insurance. It protects you if the actions of you or an employee cause bodily injury or property damage on the job. Professional liability insurance adds another layer of protection. It covers negligence and design errors that may occur as you take on a variety of job site responsibilities.

Contractor’s Professional Risk Exposure

In today’s construction projects, contractors may do more than build the design that’s created by an architect or engineer. For example, you may be responsible for hiring a design firm, designing certain aspects of the project or altering a current design to incorporate more functional features. In addition to the design responsibilities, you may assume professional liability risks because you hire independent contractors, estimate costs for a project and schedule projects.

Why Purchase Professional Liability Insurance

The numerous tasks you perform as a contractor carry liability risks, and you face a variety of situations for which you are responsible.

• Design errors and omissions
• Time delays
• Budget overruns
• Required rework
• Third-party bodily injury
• Property damage
• Pollution damage

To cover these liabilities, you could pay the associated costs out of pocket or purchase professional liability insurance. This policy can take care of your financial responsibility, offer a layer of protection and reduce risks that jeopardize your company now and into the future.

How to Purchase Professional Liability Insurance

Contractors who need professional liability insurance may purchase it in several ways.

• Add an endorsement to an existing general liability or umbrella policy.
• Purchase a stand-alone policy.
• Select a separate project policy.

To decide which option is right for your company, consider the types of projects you do, your financial status and your budget. Individual project contracts may also include details about the type of liability coverage you must purchase. Talk to your insurance agent, too, to verify the availability of the coverage you need and want.

Based on your specific business, duties and job responsibilities, you may need to purchase professional liability insurance for a specific project or as a permanent addition to your contractor company. Talk to your insurance agent about your needs as you ensure you have the right protection for your business.