Prepare Your Employees for Harsh Winter Conditions

As much of the country is in the grip of a cold snap, complete with snowy and icy conditions, it’s an ideal time to review winter safety precautions for employees who work outdoors maintaining facility exteriors and property.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists cold stress as a major risk to employees working outdoors during harsh winter conditions. Freezing temperatures (or near freezing temperatures in areas not accustomed to cold weather) as well as increased wind speed cause heat to leave the body more rapidly. Wetness or dampness, even from body sweat, also lead to heat loss.

Cold stress occurs by driving down the skin temperature, and eventually the internal body temperature. When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, including trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia.

Employers can help prevent cold stress in outdoor workers by following these tips:

• Train workers on how to recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that can lead to cold stress
• Assist workers in selecting proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions
• Monitor outdoor workers’ physical condition
• Schedule frequent short breaks in warm dry areas, to allow the body to warm up
• Schedule work during the warmest part of the day
• Have employees work in pairs
• Provide warm, sweet beverages, avoiding those with alcohol
• Provide heat sources such as radiant heaters.

Snow and ice present additional risks to outdoor workers. Employers can help protect their workers from injury by:

• Ensuring snow and ice are cleared from walking surfaces and deicer is spread as quickly as possible after a winter storm
• Providing workers with footwear featuring good traction and insulation, such as water-resistant boots or rubber over-shoes
• Training employees to take short steps and walk at a slower pace so they can react to changes in traction.

If employees are clearing snow from the roof, make sure to:

• Provide required fall protection and training for employees who work at elevated heights
• Ensure ladders are used safely
• Train workers to use extreme caution when working near power lines.