Site and construction work don’t stop in winter. This article explores how to maximize productivity and safety in winter by ensuring workers have access to the right equipment. That includes both using equipment designed for winter, maintenance, and safety practices for equipment.
Why Is Winter Such a Critical Time for Industrial Site Safety?
Winter introduces reduced daylight, lower temperatures, snow and ice, and slippery surfaces. These conditions increase the risk of equipment malfunctions, operator error, slip/trip hazards and delayed job schedules. Planning for winter conditions is essential to maintain safe operations and avoid downtime.
What Types of Rental Equipment Does Leppo Rents Offer for Winter Industrial Safety?
Leppo Rents offers a full fleet of industrial equipment suitable for winter conditions, including:
- Compact track loaders and skid steer loaders with winter-ready features for snow, ice and uneven terrain.
- Telehandlers with extended reach and load capacity to clear snow and stack materials safely.
- Utility vehicles (UTVs) equipped with snow blades, salt spreaders and four-wheel drive for transport and snow removal.
- Light towers to improve working conditions and visibility.
- Attachments and accessories optimized for cold-weather operation (snow pushers, ice-clearing attachments).
How Do You Choose the Right Machine for Winter Conditions?
Select equipment based on your site conditions and tasks:
- Terrain: For icy or slippery surfaces, choose a track loader or skid steer loader with winter-rated tracks or tires.
- Load and reach requirements: For high stacking or clearing large snow piles, use a loader or telehandler with a snow pusher attachment.
- Access: If space is tight, a compact skid steer or track loader with winter attachments may be the best choice.
- Visibility and lighting: Winter work often means low light. Machines with enhanced lighting or additional light towers make the site safer.
- Operator comfort: Consider machines with heated cabs or winter-rated features to maintain productivity and safety.
What Maintenance and Safety Practices Should Be in Place for Winter Rentals?
The following maintenance and safety practices should be standard for all winter equipment. Take a few minutes before starting work to run down this checklist:
- Pre-shift inspection: Check tires/tracks, hydraulic hoses, battery condition and fluid levels. Cold weather stresses equipment components.
- Warm-up time: Let engines and hydraulics reach operating temperatures, particularly in frigid conditions.
- Adequate lighting: Use light towers or high-luminosity machine lights to ensure visibility during short daylight hours.
- Operator training: Make sure operators understand winter-specific machine behavior (e.g., reduced traction, slower snow pushes and safe speed limits).
- Emergency protocols: Plan for equipment failure, cold exposure, and available shelter or heated break areas.
What Are Common Winter Safety Hazards On Industrial Sites?
While every site is different, the following are hazards common in winter:
- Ice and snow build-up on walkways, machine platforms or stairways leading to slips and falls.
- Equipment stuck in snow or losing traction, increasing the risk of collisions or rollovers.
- Engine or hydraulic system damage due to extreme cold, leading to unexpected downtime.
- Reduced visibility because of early sunsets or heavy snowstorms, increasing accident risk.
- Operator fatigue or cold-related health issues if proper comfort systems are not in place.
How Does Renting from Leppo Rents Support Winter Safety and Efficiency?
Renting from Leppo Rents means you benefit from:
- Equipment is maintained to perform in winter conditions, reducing the risk of breakdowns.
- Access to winter-ready attachments and machines without long-term capital investment.
- Flexible rental terms to match project duration and avoid idle fleet costs.
- Expert support and guidance from rental specialists who understand winter operations and can help you choose the right tools
Leppo Rents: Your Winter Site Safety Partner
When winter conditions threaten to slow down your industrial site, you can rely on Leppo Rents for the equipment, expertise and support you need. Reach out to your local Leppo Rents today to secure machines optimized for snow, ice and cold-weather operations — and keep your crew safe, productive and on schedule.