How A Temporary Access Mat Supports Productivity: Working Efficiently in Harsh Canadian Weather
“Success is where preparation and action meet.” – Bobby Unser
Working outdoors in Canada is never easy, especially when the ground is wet, frozen, or full of mud. In fact, bad weather can stop work fast and cause big delays on job sites.
Many crews lose time because trucks get stuck, workers cannot walk safely, and machines cannot reach the right areas.
How can teams keep moving when snow, rain, and soft ground block the way?
This is where a temporary access mat becomes very helpful. It gives a safe path over weak ground and helps people and machinery move without trouble.
Let’s look at how these mats help crews stay safe, avoid delays, and keep projects moving even during harsh Canadian weather.
Why Does Weather Affect Construction Productivity in Canada?
Canadian sites face unique challenges:
- Cold and Snow: Harsh temperatures can be quite cold, going below -20°C, and the amount of snow increases at a rapid rate, blocking access. It is a fact that the productivity of workers decreases by as much as 50 percent due to the slow movement, as well as safety breaks.
- Weather Delays: Projects can lose 2 to 5 workdays per month to weather interruptions, forcing crews to pause or work slower.
- Equipment Risks: Mud, ice, and unstable ground can immobilize vehicles and heavy machinery – a big issue for pipelines, mining, and civil construction in remote Canada.
In this kind of environment, productivity is not just focused on speed but on staying safe while working, when nature is not being so supportive.
What is a Temporary Access Mat and Why is It So Important?
When you work in Canada, the ground is not always your friend. One day, it is frozen and solid. The next day, it is soft, muddy, and covered in snow.
This makes it very hard for trucks, machines, and workers to move around.
This is where a temporary access mat becomes a lifesaver.
A temporary access mat is a rugged, heavy-duty platform designed for soft or muddy ground. Built from three layers of 2×8 timber in an 8’x14′ size, it transforms unstable terrain into a reliable path. Your trucks drive through, your machines stay level, and your crew walks safely.
It may look simple, but access mats keep your whole project moving when bad weather tries to stop you. Access mats remain the standard for turning mud into a stable worksite, ensuring your timeline stays on track despite the elements.
How Does a Temporary Access Mat Improve Productivity?
Before we look at the points below, think about this:
When the ground presents challenges, everything slows down. Crews wait. Machines stop. Deadlines move.
A temporary access mat removes that problem and brings back productive workdays.
Let’s see how.
1. Keeps Your Crew Moving, Even in Bad Weather
Rain, melting snow, and soft soil can turn your site into a mess. Without access mats, your team might need to wait days or even weeks before the ground is suitable to work on.
With a temporary access mat, your workers can easily keep walking, and your machines can keep moving. It creates a clean, firm path over mud and snow. That means:
- No waiting for the weather to improve
- No trucks or machinery are stuck in soft ground
- No work stoppage during busy seasons
Your project stays on time and on budget.
2. Helps You Work for More Months of the Year
In Canada, spring thaw and early winter can stop many projects. The soil is too soft, wet, or frozen to work on.
With the temporary access mat, you are able to start the year earlier and end it later compared to other seasons. These mats create solid paths during wet months, so you do not lose valuable work time.
This translates to increased project turnovers and fewer setbacks. Utilizing these mats ensures your operations remain profitable by hitting deadlines and avoiding costly downtime.
3. Protects Your Machines from Damage
Heavy machines cannot operate efficiently on soft surfaces. When they sink into mud or ice, the engine works harder, tires wear out faster, and machines often break down.
Implementing temporary access mats provides your equipment with a level, high-traction foundation. This setup ensures:
- Reduced stress on engines
- Lower repair and fuel costs
- Keeps equipment running longer
In other words, your machines are healthy, and your money stays in your pocket.
4. Makes the Site Safer for Everyone
Slippery mud and ice are very dangerous. A worker can slip on it. A machine can slide on it. So, a small mistake can lead to a big accident.
A temporary access mat provides a solid surface for your team to stand and walk on. It prevents falls and maintains the stability of vehicles and machinery. When your team is safe, your team can work faster.
Safety is more than a set of rules. It is about having the right tools on the ground to prevent accidents from happening.
5. Protects the Land While You Work
Many sites are found within forests, wetlands, or remote environments. You cannot build roads or damage the land.
A temporary access mat sits on the ground and is simply removed upon completion of the job. Soil remains safe and unharmed, plants remain protected, and the land appears the same when you’re finished.
You get the access you need without harming the environment.
Keep Your Project Moving with GFI Solutions LTD!
When Canadian weather slows your job site, the right access solution can save your time, money, and stress. That is exactly what GFI Solutions LTD is here for. We are a full-service access solution provider with everything you need, from mat sales and rentals to delivery, installation, removal, and even mat cleaning.
With the largest fleet of A, B, and C-grade bolted wooden access mats for sale in Canada, we make it easy to find the right fit for your project. Whether you need strong mats for heavy loads or simple access for light traffic, we have you covered.
Here is how GFI Solutions LTD supports your work:
- Access mats for sale or rent, based on your budget
- Full delivery, install, and removal crews
- Mat washing Services where cleaned and bleached mats are required
- Complete logistics to and from your site
- Rubber access mats that do not get damaged by tracked machines
- Steel frame rig mats and wooden crane mats for extra-heavy equipment
- Site Clean up, including wood grinding for end-of-life mat recycling
Buying mats helps you build long-term value, and renting mats helps you save up front costs, plus rentals are a 100% tax write-off, while purchases are spread over time.
No matter the season, the ground, or the size of your job, we have access solutions for every project. Reach out to us today and let us help you keep your crew moving, even in the toughest Canadian weather.
FAQs:
- Can temporary access mats really reduce project delays in winter conditions?
Yes, temporary access mats create stable paths over snow, ice, and mud, which helps crews avoid downtime caused by weather blockages.
- Are temporary access mats eco-friendly?
Because mats minimize soil disturbance and can be removed after use, they support environmental protection on sensitive work sites.
- Do access mats help with worker safety in cold Canadian weather?
Yes, they do help improve footing and minimize slipping on icy and even uneven ground.