Winter safety

SAFETY CORNER

Winter safety

Temperatures are dropping, and the leaves are almost finished falling to the ground. With winter right around the corner, it’s important to evaluate the safety of your facility, and whether or not you’re ready for the hazards winter brings. If your company has employees working outdoors during the winter or in cold environments, you should have an understanding of cold stress. Any worker exposed to cold air temperatures is at risk of cold stress and it can have very serious health consequences for workers. Cold stress occurs when the body can no longer maintain its normal temperature and leads to more dangerous conditions like hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot. These conditions are extremely serious and, in some cases, could result in amputation or even death. It is important to remember that cold stress doesn’t only happen in freezing temperatures, but in working environments with low temperatures (below 50_F), high wind speed, contact with cold surfaces or water, and inadequate clothing. A combination of these factors can cause cold stress, not just freezing temperatures. There are a number of preventative measures an employer can take to keep workers safe and comfortable when working in cold environments. Below are some strategies recommended by OSHA and NIOSH to protect workers from hazards:

• Schedule frequent breaks for workers to warm back up in a heated area

• Serve warm non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic drinks

• Provide proper personal protective equipment for workers

• Schedule work to be done during the warmest part of the day

• Save maintenance jobs and repairs for the warmer months in the year

• Use a variety of engineering controls, like radiant heaters

Employers are required under OSHA to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers, and this can often include providing protective clothing for cold environments. For colder conditions and working outside, consider fleece balaclavas to keep the face, neck, and ear protected from the freezing temperatures. Workers should wear several layers of loose clothing for better insulation and circulation. Workers should have boots that are both waterproof and insulated. It would also be

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beneficial for workers to carry extra cold weather gear like an extra pair of socks, gloves, hats, jacket, blankets, and a change of clothes. First aid kits at the facility or work site should include a thermometer and chemical hot packs. Employers and/or safety managers should be aware of cold stress symptoms and identifying them in workers. Another important measure that can be taken by employers and safety managers is to provide cold stress training for workers. This way workers can understand worker risk, prevention, symptoms, the importance of monitoring themselves and fellow coworkers for any possible signs and symptoms of cold-related hazards.

Other winter safety Even if workers are not working outdoors this winter or completing work in a cold environment, it can be beneficial to learn other safety measures you can take. The cold winter weather often brings ice to your sidewalks, walkways, shipping docks, and other walking surfaces. The number of slips, trips, and falls in the workplace dramatically rise every winter as walking surfaces become slicker. Inform workers about wearing slip-resistant footwear during this time of year. Ensure walkways are kept clear of snow and ice by clearing them daily or de-icing them with sand or salt. When workers come in the building with wet shoes and track it indoors, these areas can often become a slipping hazard. Post a “CAUTION: Wet Floor” cone to alert workers and clearly mark or barricade these hazardous areas. Road conditions can also pose a risk to workers traveling to their job. Remind workers driving to work can be dangerous and to be aware of icy conditions on the road. Giving advice on driving safely in winter conditions and promoting safe driving practices can ensure your employees will get to work safely. If your parking lot is notorious for icing up, spread rock salt to keep cars from slipping around. With winter upon us, it is important to remember those working in cold environments and driving in icy conditions to get to work. Keep workers safe this season by understanding the symptoms of cold stress, ensuring the walkways in your facility are safe and de-iced, and promoting safe driving practices for workers.

Written by Jesse Allred jallred@creativesafetysupply.com