Despite Winter, the Midwest Is Still Hiring for Construction Laborer Jobs

Winter Construction Blog Graphic that showcases three construction workers in hard hats and coats working in the snow.

It’s a joke as old as time: the Midwest has two seasons; summer and construction!   

Like all timeless gags, there’s plenty of truth supporting the punchline. Regardless of how obnoxious this reality may be, winter construction is vital to the Midwest’s overarching infrastructure. And companies are scrambling over one another to hire talent for this winter season.   

In this blog, we’ll go over some major considerations for winter construction work and, most importantly, show how you can land a great winter construction job sooner rather than later.   

Pros and Cons of Winter Construction   

Make no mistake about it; there are certainly pros and cons when it comes to signing up for a winter construction job. Here are the top things to consider:   

 Pros 

  • There’s less competition: winter is a great season to look for construction if you’re looking to get your foot in the door. Most construction professionals aren’t actively seeking new positions in the colder months, making more jobs available in the market with less competition.  
  • You’ll get your work done faster: winter construction projects don’t take nearly as long as other seasonal projects, thanks to the lower workloads at county and city department offices. This allows workers to earn more money in a shorter amount of time!  
  • Drier weather: for many, winter weather is a con, but there are also hidden benefits of working construction in the coldest season of the year. Winter weather is better than in other seasons because the conditions are much, much drier for the most part. This means fewer delays due to rain and more progress toward projects and timelines.   

Cons 

  • The obvious: winter weather is a beast. Sleet, rain, snow and cold temperatures can often be challenging for most construction projects. Without a proper plan, a big snowstorm can quickly impact project timelines and lead to significant delays in materials.  
  • Holidays: for those who love to celebrate the many holidays contained within the winter months, taking on work in the winter can potentially interfere with seasonal plans.    

Working in the Winter Means Safety Is a Top Priority   

Working winter construction jobs carries with it another layer of safety concerns. However, with proper education and preparation, you can vastly mitigate the added challenges of the winter months.  

Here are some top safety tips to adopt during the winter months:   

Stay Warm 

This is first and foremost. Make your weather app your best friend each morning and dress accordingly. Ensuring you’re layering adequately on particularly cold days can be your greatest ally in the fight against low temperatures. Hand warmers, thick socks and taking short breaks to warm up when it’s frigid are also advisable.  

Keep an Eye Out for “Cold Stress” 

The CDC states that “workers who are exposed to extreme cold or work in cold environments may be at risk of cold stress.” To help sharpen your radar for signs of cold stress, take a look at this guide from NIOSH about preventing cold-related illness.  

Prevent Trench Foot 

Trench foot is a foot injury brought on by continued exposure to wet and cold-related conditions. You can prevent trench foot by wearing waterproof boots and responding quickly if you notice that your feet are wet.  

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate 

Most people associate dehydration with hot weather, but it’s just as much of a possibility in cold weather. So, despite the winter conditions, ensure you regularly intake liquids, preferably water.   

Vehicle Safety Kits 

It’s imperative to ensure that your construction vehicles are stocked with life-saving items in the event of unexpected breakdowns or severe weather conditions. A great starter safety kit should include the following:  

  • Blankets  
  • Food  
  • Water  
  • Batteries  
  • Flashlights  
  • Shovel  
  • Emergency flares  

With these safety tips top of mind, you’re in a great place to have a successful, profitable winter construction season.   

RHM Is Still Busy Hiring for Winter Construction Jobs   

Looking to bring in extra cash this winter? RHM Staffing is here to help. We help hard-working professionals like you find jobs that are a perfect fit for their career and personal objectives. Contact our team of specialized recruiters to land your next job today!