Winter Safety on Solar Sites: How to Protect Workers, Equipment, and Operations

For many parts of the United States, the winter months can be a grueling and trying time for many construction and service contractors, especially those on solar sites. Cold temperatures, ice, snow, high winds, and shorter daylight hours increase hazards for personnel performing inspections, maintenance, repairs, or construction services on commercial and utility solar sites. Prioritizing site, personnel, and system safety isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s essential.

Prioritizing safety ensures personnel return home safely, systems remain operational, and costly incidents are avoided. But where do managers and supervisors start to ensure safety on site for the long winter months?

Photo by Day Electric

Winter Hazards

First, let’s identify a few of the most common hazards. Winter conditions can amplify common solar site hazards, such as:

• Slip, trip, and fall risks from ice, snow, or wet surfaces

• Fall hazards from roof work, elevated racking, canopies, lift, etc.

• Cold stress: Extreme cold weather can put stress on the heart, muscles, respiratory system, immunity, and more.

• Electrical risks from moisture, frozen components, or brittle wiring

• Travel and access issues from snow and ice, can make traveling to/from sites more difficult, as well as access to sites that have not had entrances and roads maintained.

  
  

A proactive approach reduces the likelihood of incidents and increases a safer environment for personnel on site.

1. Site Planning and Hazard Assessment

Before winter operations:

• Conduct a winter-specific hazard assessment for sites.

• Identify areas prone to ice, now, and water accumulation and potential hazards that could arise.

• Create a plan to ensure clear, safe access routes to all critical equipment and work areas.

• Do yearly maintenance and inspections before winter months, for optimal site health going into extreme weather conditions.

  
  

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Winter

Proper PPE is critical in cold conditions to keep site personnel safe and able to perform their duties.

• Footwear: Insulated, slip-resistant boots suitable for icy surfaces

• Clothing: Layered, moisture-wicking, windproof outerwear

• Hand Protection: Insulated, electrically rated gloves for both warmth and safety

• Fall Protection: Fall protection equipment rated for winter conditions

  
  

Ensure all PPE is inspected for wear and damage before winter deployment. Notify site personnel of site conditions before deploying, so they can properly prepare. Equipping site personnel with the proper gear, is the first step to safety.

3. Safety Work Tips for Personnel to Mitigate Injury

Winter-specific tips for personnel on-site:

• Slow down: Reduce walking and work speed to avoid hazards

• Buddy system: Have personnel work in pairs when on roofs or in remote areas

• Fall protection enforcement: Use fall protection on elevated surfaces

• Electrical safety: Treat all circuits as energized, especially if moisture or ice is present

  
  

Creating a safe work environment starts from above. Proper training and safety-related meetings to remind site personnel of proper safety procedure is essential for creating a culture of safety.

4. Training and Winter Safety Meetings

Keep safety a common discussion among site personnel with:

• Winter-specific safety briefings before the season

• Reviewing slip, trip, fall, and cold-stress hazards before winter storms

• Provide refresher training on fall protection, PPE use, and electrical safety

• Encouraging a safety-first culture where employees report hazards immediately and can discuss their concerns openly.

  
  

Regular communication reinforces safe behaviors and prevents accidents.

5. Addressing Site Access Issues

Whether traveling a short or far distance to job sites, access and travel are a major concern for winter months.

• Weather and road conditions can affect work crew’s ability to make it to site, on time and safely.

• Access roads need to be maintained, plowed of snow and ice.

• Conditions on site need to be safe and accessible, including roadways, walkways, access to roof, modules, and equipment.

  
  

The important lesson is to be realistic about travel and access during extreme winter conditions. Watch weather on site and surrounding areas, inspect site conditions before deploying additional site personnel, and factor in delays during or after large storms.

The Bottom Line

Winter conditions increase safety concern and risks on commercial solar sites, but with planning, proper gear, safe work practices, and ongoing training, personnel can be set up for success.

However, at the end of the day, prioritizing onsite safety protects lives, builds trust within teams, and protects solar investments from costly and damaging incidents—making it an investment that benefits both people and operations.