Luby Shoring

Winter is a notoriously tough time for those of us in the construction industry, especially in the Midwest, where things tend to slow to almost a stop once snow hits the ground. If you’re lucky enough to be able to keep busy with jobs during these cold, blustery months, there are a few unique challenges you’re likely preparing to deal with once again.

Staying safe on the job site is always something that should be in the forefront of your mind, but even more so in the winter where conditions can be more dangerous. Here’s a few tips to keep you and your crew safe, healthy, and on the right side of those ever-present regulations this winter season:

• Dangerous Temperatures – When temperatures drop below freezing, you need to be especially mindful of real dangers like hypothermia and trench foot (a medical condition caused by prolonged exposure of the feet to damp, unsanitary, and cold conditions). Make sure everyone takes breaks indoors to warm up, and offer warm drinks. If temperatures are too cold to work safely, call it a day. Better to fall slightly behind than risk someone’s health.
• Icy Conditions – Like the risks described above, icy conditions can make it hard for the crew and the vehicles to maneuver safely through the worksite. Use caution and proper footwear to minimize risk.
• Construction Quality – Certain types of mortar and concrete cannot freeze during the drying time. Paint and drywall mud take more time to set when it’s very cold. There are advancements being made, but having access to this technology is not always a given. Try to plan for the weather, which may mean planning for delays.

It can be frustrating working around conditions you cannot control, but such is life in the Midwest. If you need assistance or equipment on your next job, give Luby Shoring Services a call. Support is our business.

If you haven’t worked with shoring equipment on a construction job before, you might be confused about some of the trench shielding and shoring options. It’s important to know what kind of equipment you need to stay safe on the job, and that’s why we provide helpful support to all of our customers on every single job. Our top priority is making sure all of our customers are safe at all times. It’s a dangerous job, and we respect those of you that put yourself out there every day without fail.

When it comes to digging trenches on the job, it’s important to know the difference between trench shields and trench shoring. Trench shoring materials are used to brace the walls of a trench to prevent collapse. Trench shoring can be attained using hydraulic cylinders and FinnForm—special shoring plywood—to protect the workers from getting covered in loose dry dirt. The hydraulic cylinders are pumped until the plates press against the walls of the trench, securing them in place. Sometimes, steel I-beams are inserted into the ground, and then steel plates are slid in alongside them. Depending on the type and length of the job, some methods are preferred over others.

Trench shields (also sometimes called trench boxes) protect workers while they’re working inside a trench. They adjust to fit the size of the trench, and are typically constructed out of steel or aluminum. Unlike trench shoring materials, they are not designed to hold up the walls of a trench; they’re just there to shelter workers from a potentially dangerous collapse.