Clearing Snow Safely on Construction Sites: Winter Toolbox Talk

Winter doesn’t just slow projects down—it adds a whole new layer of risk. Snow and ice can turn a normal workday into a minefield of slip hazards, hidden obstacles, and overexertion injuries.

This Winter Toolbox Talk #1 focuses on safe snow clearing practices so your crews can keep job sites accessible and productive, without sacrificing safety.

This article is part of our Winter Toolbox Talks series for construction and trades companies, designed to give foremen, safety managers, and owners short, practical training tools they can use all season long.

Why Safe Snow Clearing Matters

Snow buildup on a construction site doesn’t just look messy, it can:

• Hide materials, holes, and uneven ground

• Create slippery walking and driving surfaces

• Add strain to workers’ backs, shoulders, and hearts

• Increase the risk of equipment-related injuries

Poor snow management can lead to slips, trips, falls, sprains, and strains, as well as incidents involving snow blowers and other equipment.

A clear site is a safer site and it starts with the right equipment, PPE, and techniques.

Using the Right Snow Removal Equipment

Choosing the right equipment for the job makes snow clearing faster and safer.

1. Snow Blowers for Larger Areas

For large parking lots, access roads, or staging areas, snow blowers can clear snow quickly and reduce physical strain. Make sure that:

• Only trained workers operate snow blowers

• Operators understand safety shut-offs and emergency stops

• No one places hands or feet near moving parts at any time

2. Ergonomic Shovels for Smaller Areas

For stairs, narrow walkways, or tight spaces, ergonomic shovels are your best option. Train workers to:

• Shovel small amounts at a time

• Use a pushing motion instead of lifting whenever possible

• Switch sides or hand positions to reduce repetitive strain

3. Slip-Resistant Footwear

Footwear is a critical part of your snow removal “equipment.” Workers should wear boots with deep treads and good traction to reduce slip and fall risks on snow and ice.

PPE for Snow Clearing Tasks

Snow removal is often treated as a quick chore, but it should be treated like any other task with defined PPE requirements.

Make sure your crews are equipped with:

• Insulated gloves and hats – to protect against cold and wet conditions

• Eye protection – goggles or safety glasses to guard against blowing snow, ice chips, and debris

• High-visibility outerwear – bright, reflective clothing so workers are visible in low light, snow, and around equipment and vehicles

This PPE not only keeps workers more comfortable, it directly reduces the risk of serious incidents.

Safe Snow Clearing Techniques

Safe technique is just as important as the equipment itself.

1. Pre-Operation Checks

Before starting snow removal, workers should:

• Inspect snow blowers and other equipment for ice buildup or damage

• Check guards, shut-offs, and controls

• Confirm that paths are as clear as possible of loose materials or debris

2. Push, Don’t Lift

To prevent strains and back injuries:

• Push snow instead of lifting whenever possible

• If lifting is required, bend at the knees, keep the back straight, and hold the load close to the body

• Take smaller shovelfuls instead of trying to move heavy, packed snow at once

3. Watch the Surface and Your Surroundings

Snow can hide hazards like cords, tools, uneven ground, or rebar ends. Workers should:

• Move slowly and deliberately

• Be mindful of slopes, edges, and changes in elevation

• Communicate clearly when working around vehicles and equipment

Common Snow Clearing Injury Risks

Snow removal may seem simple, but the injury profile is serious if not managed well:

• Slips and falls on snow and ice-covered surfaces

• Muscle strain and overexertion from heavy shoveling

• Equipment-related injuries from improper use of snow blowers or contact with moving parts

Encourage workers to take regular breaks, especially in very cold weather, and to report fatigue, pain, or unsafe conditions early.

Using This Toolbox Talk With Your Crews

Here’s how you can implement this toolbox talk across your sites:

• Play the Clearing Snow Safely video during morning huddles or weekly safety meetings

• Use the key sections above as your talking points

• Establish and post snow clearing responsibilities and PPE requirements at each site

• Document that the talk was delivered as part of your safety program

See the Full Winter Toolbox Playlist on YouTube

Clearing snow is just the first step in a comprehensive winter safety program. Our Winter Toolbox Talks playlist on the Safety Evolution YouTube channel covers topics like:

• Cold stress

• Frostbite and hypothermia

• Frost safety for materials and equipment

• Ice storm preparation

• Preparing for snow and frigid temperatures

👉 Visit the Safety Evolution YouTube channel to see the full Winter Toolbox Playlist and share it with your supervisors and crews.

Download the Free Winter Toolbox Package

To support your winter safety meetings, we’ve created a Winter Toolbox Package that includes:

• Printable winter toolbox talks

• Supervisor and crew checklists

• Simple prompts to guide safety conversations

Download the Winter Toolbox Package and standardize winter safety across all your projects.

How Safety Evolution Can Help

At Safety Evolution, we support construction and trades companies with:

• Safety professional services – Experienced safety professionals to help you design and implement winter safety plans, snow clearing procedures, and site-specific controls.

• Training and toolbox talks – Practical, field-ready safety training resources you can use in meetings, onboarding, and ongoing coaching.

• Safety software – A platform to manage inspections, incidents, training records, and safety metrics across multiple projects and locations.

If you’re managing crews across multiple sites or regions, partnering with Safety Evolution helps you standardize your winter safety approach, reduce incidents, and protect both your people and your schedule.

👉 Learn more about our safety services, training, and software at www.safetyevolution.com