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Source: Greg Thayer
Winter conditions present additional hazards to any work environment. From working outdoors to simply traveling to and from home and work, winter weather can make even routine activities much more dangerous.
Snow and ice are responsible for 42% of weather-related fatalities and more than 20,000 workplace injuries every year.
Hazardous winter weather conditions include blizzards, ice storms, and winter storms that include heavy snow, sleet, ice, and extreme cold temperatures. During hazardous winter conditions, the best way to avoid cold related injuries is to reschedule all non-essential outside work until conditions are better.
If work must be performed, work at shorter intervals and take frequent breaks allowing time to warm up. Have a relief crew available, when possible, to switch out and provide more breaks to crew members.
It is important to stay informed on current and upcoming weather conditions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio is a nation-wide network of radio stations that broadcast weather information.
Tips for Preventing Wintertime Slips, Trips, and Falls
- Have ice melt, salt spreaders, and snow shovels on hand, ready to use.
- After winter storms with snowfall and ice, clear snow and ice and spread salt or ice melt immediately.
- Avoid carrying items, use arms and hands for better stability.
- Walk at a slower pace by taking shorter steps to help with stability and ground traction.
- Bend slightly and walk flat footed with your center of gravity over your feet.
- Wear insulated rubber tread boots to help with traction and warmth.
- Avoid walking on uncommon walkways as snow can cover and obscure trip hazards.
- When shoveling snow, use proper ergonomics to avoid back injuries.
- Place wet floor signs at all entrances and mop up excessive water build up from melted snow.
- Keep overhangs, roofs, and other overhead structures clear of traffic below them when they have formed icicles which can break and fall.
Dressing for Cold Weather
Wear three layers of loose-fitting clothes:
1. Inner layer – wool, silk, or synthetic (polypropylene) to keep moisture away from the body.
2. Middle Layer – Wool or polar fleece-type materials.
3. Outer Layer – Rain and wind protection that allows ventilation to prevent. overheating and sweating, such as coveralls.
- Wear thermal or appropriate socks, face covering, and hat.
- Wear gloves that are thermal and waterproof, when the job allows.
- Protect the skin by applying sunscreen to exposed skin – ice and snow can reflect sunlight more intensely.
- Take off one layer at a time if starting to sweat or overheat.
- Prevent moisture and cold related injuries to your feet by changing your socks when they become wet from snow or sweat; keep your feet dry at all times.
Prevent Cold Stress Injuries: Train workers to recognize signs and symptoms of cold stress. Frostbite, hypothermia, and trench foot are results of cold stress.
• Frostbite – skin is very cold and turns numb, hard and pale. Can start to blister and swell and cause joint and muscle stiffness.
• Hypothermia – uncontrollable shivering or shaking, drowsiness or confusion, slurred speech, and/or lack of coordination.
• Trench Foot – severe pain of the feet caused by cold weather and wet socks or feet. Symptoms include redness, tingling, pain, swelling, leg cramps, numbness, and blisters.
Always work with a buddy to keep an eye on each other for signs or symptoms.
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