Winter Safety Tips

Last year EHS sent out an article for safe winter walking or walk like a penguin.   This year our focus is on general winter safety.  Some of our employees work outside and some don't.   Regardless of your job there are ways to protect yourself during this season of winter, from the hazards of winter.

While there is no OSHA standard specific to worker safety in cold-weather environments, employers have a duty to provide workers with a place of employment free from recognized hazards—and that includes cold stress. Also known as a duty of care, the safety of employees is the responsibility of employers according to OSHA’s general duty clause.

Winter brings to mind a picturesque landscape blanketed in snow, but it also poses unique challenges to safety. The cold temperatures, icy surfaces, and unpredictable weather conditions demand heightened vigilance to ensure the well-being of both workers and the projects they undertake. In this article, we’ll delve into the critical aspects of worker safety during the winter season, offering insights, tips, and best practices to navigate the winter season safely and successfully.

There are several steps for lowering the risks encoutered with winter weather.

1. Understanding the winter risks

Winter introduces a host of risks that can impact worker safety. Slippery surfaces, reduced visibility, and exposure to cold temperatures are just a few examples. Recognizing these risks is the first step in developing an effective winter safety strategy.

2. Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is the frontline defense against winter-related risks for those working outside, as well as for those of us just walking outside during our breaks. Insulated gloves protect hands from the biting cold, while waterproof and slip-resistant footwear prevents falls. Thermal clothing ensures workers stay warm without compromising mobility. Adequate PPE not only safeguards against environmental conditions but also promotes comfort, allowing workers to focus on their tasks without anything limiting their capabilities.

3. Slip and fall prevention

Slips and falls are common but preventable winter incidents. The right footwear, such as shoes with proper traction or ice cleats, significantly reduces the risk. De-icing measures, including salt or sand applications, help maintain safe walkways. Snow removal plans by our grounds department, conducted promptly and efficiently, contribute to a safer working environment.

4. Cold stress awareness

Understanding cold stress and its effects is vital for safeguarding workers’ health. Cold stress occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce, leading to conditions like hypothermia or frostbite. While this issue arises more commonly in areas with exceptionally harsh winters, it’s worth noting for everyone. Workers should be educated in recognizing symptoms, such as shivering or numbness, and encouraged to take breaks in warm areas. Proper acclimatization, allowing the body to adapt to colder conditions gradually, is essential.

5. Winter-specific training

Implementing comprehensive training programs specifically tailored to winter conditions equips workers with the knowledge to navigate the unique challenges of the season. Emergency response procedures specific to winter incidents, hazard recognition in snow-covered environments, and the correct use of winter equipment, such as snow blowers or de-icing tools, are crucial components. Winter-specific training fosters a proactive and prepared workforce and should be implemented well in advance of the colder months approaching.  This training is available in Flashtrain.

6. Vehicle safety in winter conditions

For workers relying on vehicles, winter driving poses distinct challenges. Black ice, reduced visibility, and slower response times require special precautions. Our Fleet department does a great job winterizing vehicles including checking brakes, tires, and fluids. Safe driving practices, such as maintaining a safe following distance and avoiding abrupt maneuvers, are emphasized   If you drive a Kent State vehicle, ensure that you have taken the appropriate safety training. Regular vehicle maintenance ensures reliability in harsh conditions. 

7. Communication and emergency preparedness

Effective communication is always crucial during operations, and winter is no different.  Be sure that you are signed up for Flash Alerts to get the notices concerning winter weather.

Remember to be safe out there this winter season.  If you do have a fall at work, be sure to report it to EHS.

Source:  Winter Weather - Cold Stress | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)