Winter construction: safety key for this hearty bunch of men and women who work outdoors.

• Author: Komancheck, Wendy
• Position: BUILDING ALASKA

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Anyone will admit that it's no fun to be in subzero temperatures and nasty weather--especially when it involves working. But, in Alaska construction, sometimes there is no choice but to stand up to the elements to get the job done.

TRENDS IN WINTER CONSTRUCTION

"In regard to winter construction, contractors still work hard in the fall to get prepared for winter construction," says Rebecca Logan, president and CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors of Alaska Inc (ABC of Alaska), an association that represents the Alaska construction industry. "Contractors are experienced at working in Alaska. In the winter, clients expect it. And, technology and years of experience assist (construction contractors) to make it more productive and less challenging. At ABC of Alaska, we see that our apprentices are staying employed throughout the winter, which means our members are going strong during the winter."

Dick Cattanach, president of Associated General Contractors of Alaska (AGC of Alaska), an association that also represents the Alaska construction industry, states, "We are seeing longer construction seasons, which means that contractors start earlier and work later in the year. The issue is particularly significant for contractors specializing in highway construction. Building contractors have been building year-round for years. If the footings are in prior to the ground freezing, the rest of the construction process can proceed through the winter."

A SAFE SEASON

Of course, safety is a major factor throughout the year in the construction industry. But, workers must take precautions when temperatures start dipping down to Arctic levels.

Thomas Rickard of Arctic Structures, www.arcticstructures.com, a company that specializes in temporary and permanent modular buildings, says, "All of our employees are familiar with the Alaska (weather) conditions and what steps need to be taken to survive. Safety is our utmost concern, as well as (the wearing of) proper winter gear and safe job sites. I don't know that anyone is attracted to working outside in the winter. It's simply something that has to be done to be part of the Alaska construction group."

Logan concurs, "Safety is the priority of every construction company. ABC works with members to develop and provide safety training for workers and employers. Developing a safety culture within a company is the best way to protect workers on a construction job site. In regard to winter...