Winter Safety Dangers

Winter weather hazards can catch us off guard, so winter workplace safety is crucial. If you work outside, wearing the proper personal protective equipment such as boots, jackets, hats, facemasks, and gloves will keep you safe against extreme winter weather conditions. In addition to wearing the proper PPE to work safely in, it is important to be able to detect the signs of skin dangers such as hypothermia, frostnip and frostbite.

• Hypothermia starts when the body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Symptoms begin with shivering, increased heart rate and rapid breathing.
    
  • Symptoms increase with slurred speech, confusion, drowsiness, pulse drop, hallucinations, and a loss of consciousness.

• Frostbite is freezing of the skin. Frostnip and frostbite usually occur in the commonly exposed areas such as the hands, feet, or face.
  • Frostbite causes redness of the skin, potentially turning the skin white and resulting in blisters.
  • Frostbite can become severe enough to affect all layers of the skin and can result in loss of joint or muscle functionality.

More than 20% of annual vehicle crashes are weather-related. Whether driving to work or driving for work, here are some quick winter driving safety tips to keep in mind during your winter commute:

• Have your vehicle inspected by a professional before the winter season.
• Check for tire pressure and tread, proper breaks, fluid levels, lights, and windshield wipers before each venture.
• Create an emergency kit of all of your needs such as: flashlights, blankets, jumper cables, emergency flares, snacks, bottled water, and traction aids.

If stranded due to inclement weather, remain in your vehicle, call 911 and notify your emergency contact if able. Ensure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Surfaces are slippery when wet during the winter months. Snow, sleet, and ice add major walking safety hazards. To ensure workplace safety, all walkways should be properly treated with salt or deicer. Ensure any parking lots are plowed and offer a clear path to main building entrances. Encourage workers to wear proper shoes such as boots with treads to grip. Employers are encouraged to provide rubber mats at doorway entrances and display "wet floor" signs near appropriate areas.