Winter is Coming — Are You Prepared?
Winter can be a beautiful time of year, but it also brings unique challenges and hazards, especially in the workplace. Whether you’re an employer responsible for a team or an employee working in cold conditions, preparing for winter weather is essential to prevent injuries and accidents. Let's explore some key steps to ensure everyone stays safe during the cold season.
Winter can be a beautiful time of year, but it also brings unique challenges and hazards, especially in the workplace. Whether you’re an employer responsible for a team or an employee working in cold conditions, preparing for winter weather is essential to prevent injuries and accidents. Let's explore some key steps to ensure everyone stays safe during the cold season.
Why is Winter Safety Important?
Winter storms and cold weather can lead to various dangers, including vehicle accidents, slips and falls, frostbite, and hypothermia. According to the National Weather Service, 70% of injuries during winter storms are vehicle-related, while 25% occur due to being caught in a storm. With these statistics in mind, it is crucial to anticipate winter hazards and take proactive measures to protect yourself and your employees.
How to Prepare for Winter Hazards
2. If driving is part of your job, make sure all vehicles are prepared for winter conditions. Before heading out, inspect the vehicle thoroughly:
5. Employers should have winter storm supplies readily available to keep the workplace safe:
7. Working outside in extreme cold can lead to frostbite or hypothermia, both of which are serious medical conditions.
10. Slippery surfaces are a common cause of injuries in winter.
12. Snow removal can be physically demanding and potentially dangerous.
Stay safe, stay warm, and be prepared!
- Check tires, brakes, oil levels, and visibility systems.
- Inspect the engine, cooling, exhaust, and electrical systems
- Blankets, a cell phone or two-way radio, a windshield scraper, and snow brush.
- A flashlight with extra batteries, a shovel, extra winter clothing, and a tow chain.
- Traction aids like sand or cat litter, emergency flares, jumper cables, snacks, water, and road maps.
5. Employers should have winter storm supplies readily available to keep the workplace safe:
- Keep items such as food, water, blankets, and a weather radio on hand.
- Ensure there are flashlights with extra batteries, salt, sand, or cat litter for deicing.
- Provide snow shovels or a snowblower to clear walkways and paths.
7. Working outside in extreme cold can lead to frostbite or hypothermia, both of which are serious medical conditions.
- Frostbite damages skin and tissue, usually on fingers, toes, and exposed areas like the nose or ears.
- Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 95°F, leading to symptoms such as uncontrollable shivering, memory lapses, and drowsiness.
- Dress in layers with a water-resistant outer layer, hats, gloves, and insulated footwear.
- Take frequent breaks in warm, dry shelters, and drink warm, sweet beverages (avoiding caffeine and alcohol).
- Seek immediate medical attention for frostbite or hypothermia, and warm the affected person slowly, focusing on the body’s core.
10. Slippery surfaces are a common cause of injuries in winter.
- Keep walkways clear of snow and ice using salt, sand, or other materials to provide traction.
- Employees should wear boots with good rubber treads and take smaller steps to reduce the risk of falling.
12. Snow removal can be physically demanding and potentially dangerous.
- Warm up before shoveling, push snow instead of lifting when possible, and shovel small amounts at a time.
- When using a snowblower, turn it off before clearing any jams, and never add fuel to a hot or running machine.
Stay Updated on Winter Safety Regulations
Keep up with the latest safety guidelines and regulatory updates. For example, OSHA is currently reviewing proposals for indoor and outdoor heat standards. Staying informed ensures compliance and helps maintain a safe workplace environment.
Winter weather can be unpredictable, but with proper planning and preparation, you can minimize risks and keep your workforce safe. Ensure that vehicles are ready for winter conditions, stock up on essential supplies, educate employees about the dangers of cold weather, and have a plan in place for emergencies. By taking these steps, you can help prevent accidents and injuries and ensure a safe and productive winter season.
Keep up with the latest safety guidelines and regulatory updates. For example, OSHA is currently reviewing proposals for indoor and outdoor heat standards. Staying informed ensures compliance and helps maintain a safe workplace environment.
Winter weather can be unpredictable, but with proper planning and preparation, you can minimize risks and keep your workforce safe. Ensure that vehicles are ready for winter conditions, stock up on essential supplies, educate employees about the dangers of cold weather, and have a plan in place for emergencies. By taking these steps, you can help prevent accidents and injuries and ensure a safe and productive winter season.
Stay safe, stay warm, and be prepared!