Winter Weather Safety

During winter weather conditions, extra caution is needed. Most people are aware of this situation, but there is always a higher level of automobile accidents during the first few snows of the year. This is because people are notorious for forgetting basic lessons on safety. Keeping this fact in mind, consider the following reminders that will reduce the potential for injuries:

Footwear
Traction is key. Work boots need to provide ankle support and traction. Rubber goulashes are often a good bet to wear over your work boots to maintain the necessary traction and keep your feet dry.

Slips and Falls
Keep work areas clear. Access paths to buildings should be maintained at least three feet wide and should not have accumulations of ice or other slippery conditions. Clean up every day to avoid hidden trip hazards underneath snow. Remember that stairs must remain clean and clear of snow and ice if they are to be used.

Ladders
• Securing the bottom of ladders is key to avoiding kick-out due to slippery conditions.
• No leaning of step ladders on flat slippery surfaces.
• Secure top of ladder and make sure all access ladders extend 3 feet about the landing.

Stay Warm
• Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
• Wear a hat and scarf. Up to 50% of heat loss occurs from the head and neck.
• Wear three layers of clothing.
• Avoid extended periods of exposure to windy conditions that could put you at risk for frostbite or hypothermia.

Driving
• Apply safe driving principles to your workday.
• Snowy weather requires additional awareness and caution Look ahead further, and anticipate possible accidents.
• When driving, move deliberately and steadily.
• Stopping distances should be quadrupled when snow is on the ground.

Other
Wearing additional bulky clothing greatly reduces how agile you can be. This is an important fact to keep in mind when you are climbing ladders, through trusses, etc.

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By: Assurance - Safety 360