Winter weather presents hazards including slippery roads/surfaces, strong winds and environmental cold as well as frostbite, hypothermia, and cold stress. Employers must prevent illnesses, injuries, or fatalities, by controlling these hazards in workplaces impacted by winter weather.
Follow these work practices to stay safe in cold weather:
- Know the symptoms of cold stress – reddening skin, tingling, pain, swelling, leg cramps, numbness, and blisters.
- Dress properly; wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing, insulated gloves and boots, and cover your head.
- Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers (the buddy system)
- Stay dry and pack extra clothes; moisture can increase heat loss from the body.
- Take frequent breaks in warm, dry areas.
- Drink warm liquids.
(Adapted from the OSHA Alert titled “Working Safely in Cold Weather)
More information is available on the on the OSHA Winter Weather page here.
For more information and/or assistance, contact:
Wayne Vanderhoof CSP, CIT
Sr. Consultant/President
RJR Safety Inc.