On the seventh day of industrial ergonomics, my favorite safety team gave to me…tips for staying safe in cold weather and a $15 Starbucks gift card!
Welcome back to DORN’s 12 Days of Industrial Ergonomics series, where we’re serving up a hot, steamy mug of key safety information to celebrate the season every day. To win the daily prize, just share this blog on LinkedIn, YouTube, or Facebook and tag the DORN team. Share on multiple platforms and tag your safety industry colleagues for more chances to win!
It’s a cold, cold day in our home state of Colorado, so today, we’re sharing some tips on how you and your workers can stay safe when the temperatures drop and snow starts sticking to the streets. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cold weather is associated with over 40,000 injuries per year and contributes to 41% of weather-related workplace fatalities. The hazards of working in cold weather can stem from extremely low temperatures (which can inhibit motor function and focus) and icy surfaces that cause slips and falls.
But thanks to DORN’s Cheryl Roy, we’re stocked up on cold weather safety tips to keep you injury-free this winter. Here are a few of the key takeaways.
- Regularly remove snow and ice from walkways, work areas, and roads. Just as homeowners are usually responsible for shoveling snow from their sidewalks, employers are responsible for removing the snow and ice from work sites, especially areas that are frequently used for walking. Throwing down salt or other traction-enhancing materials will help prevent slips and falls that can lead to serious injuries like broken bones, soft-tissue strains, concussions, and even death.
- Winterize your equipment. Not all machinery is configured for year-round conditions. Put snow tires on your vehicles, keep them stocked with antifreeze, and perform whatever modifications are necessary to ensure equipment functions when the temperatures drop.
- Wear cold-protective gear. It’s not enough to winterize your equipment—it’s also essential to ensure that workers have sufficiently warm clothing to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Educate workers and encourage them to dress in layers for cold-weather work, and ensure they’re wearing gloves, warm socks, and headwear, as the extremities are at the highest risk of damage from the cold.
- Provide heated break areas. Workers should have access to heated areas throughout the day, preferably ones stocked with warm beverages.
- Provide handrails. Walking and working areas should have handrails that workers can use to prevent falls on the ice. Make sure to keep these de-iced to prevent skin injuries.
Thank you for joining us for the 12 Days of Industrial Safety! Remember to share this post on social media to be entered to win today’s prize: a $15 Starbucks gift card! Amy Clark-Hayes, the winner of Day 6, has been an incredible supporter, actively sharing our content on Facebook.
