Night Work
Date Posted: 09/04/2016
Night work is often necessary to complete a given task on a construction site. Night work can provide specific challenges that are not experienced during the day, particularly visibility. The following tips will help during those times.
Visibility
Visibility is one of the many challenges during a nighttime workplace, especially for the workers and the motorists. Safe visibility levels will make a difference in preventing job site accidents.
Lighting should be adequate for night work and must illuminate the immediate work area.
Workers must wear, at minimum, class II garments which are in good condition.
Practice good housekeeping due to poor natural light.
Around traffic, class II or II combination with retro-reflective trousers is required.
Locate clear signage for motorists in the best visibility location.
Unique challenges associated with night work
Night workers, who lack seniority for day work assignments, may be less experienced and less aware of all safe work practices.
The type of work assignment may be different. Some companies schedule inherently heavy or more hazardous work at night when fewer people and motorists are around.
It is more difficult to see in the dark. Artificial light cannot illuminate every surface, which can result in more trips and falls. This also makes night driving more dangerous.
Falls of zero height are still dangerous.
Night workers may experience increased fatigue symptoms due to sleep cycle disturbances caused by fluctuating night to daytime sleep patterns.
Presenter tips
Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic.
Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site.
Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion.
Questions for Discussion
How do you handle increased fatigue while working at night?
How are the workers’ visibility garments different in the night from day?
