Kicking off the first full week of 2025 with the "Heaviest Snowfall In A Decade" for some parts of the US and many southern states wondering how they ended up in the movie Frozen. For our friends in the South (and everyone else), we're here to help you navigate how to protect yourself and your employees during this arctic blast.
Cold weather poses a variety of risks, including hypothermia, frostbite, and increased risk of injury due to slippery conditions. As an employer, you must understand these risks to safeguard your employees effectively. Hypothermia is when your body gets too cold. It happens when you are in very cold weather for a long time. Your body dissipates heat more rapidly than it can generate it. This can be dangerous and make you feel very tired or confused. If someone has hypothermia, they need to get warm and receive help right away.
Employees working in cold temperatures require special attention. Here are key strategies for their protection:
1. Layered Clothing: Encourage wearing several layers of clothing, which provides better insulation. Make sure the outer layer is windproof and waterproof.
2. Regular Breaks: Schedule frequent short breaks in warm, dry areas to allow workers to warm up.
3. Training and Awareness: Conduct training sessions about the dangers of cold weather. This includes recognizing symptoms of cold stress and the importance of hydration and nutrition.
4. Emergency Procedures: Establish and communicate clear emergency procedures for cold-related illnesses and injuries.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide necessary PPE, such as insulated gloves, hats, and waterproof boots.
For employees commuting to the office or traveling to meet with customers and colleagues, the following tips can keep them safe in the cold weather:
1. Winter Safety Kits for Cars: Encourage workers to keep safety kits in their cars. These kits should have blankets, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a snow shovel (if you can find one!).
2. Flexible Work Hours: To keep employees safe, consider letting them choose their work hours or work from home during bad weather and hazardous road conditions.
3. Travel Updates: Keep employees informed about weather and travel updates. Encourage them to check weather reports and plan their journey accordingly.
4. Safe Driving Training: Send a quick email or text with tips on safe winter driving. Highlight the need for car maintenance and careful driving on slippery roads.
Employers play a crucial role in the safety of their employees during cold weather. This involves:
1. Creating a Cold Weather Policy: Develop a clear policy outlining the measures taken to protect employees. This should include guidelines on when outdoor work should be limited due to extreme conditions.
2. Regular Communication: Keep an open line of communication regarding weather conditions and safety measures.
3. Investing in Infrastructure: It is important that the workplace, including parking lots and walkways, are well-maintained and safe for employees.
1. Keep up-to-date with the latest in cold weather safety protocols and share this information with the team.
2. Employees often have firsthand experience with what works and what doesn't. Encourage them to share their ideas and concerns.
3. Remind employees of their role in maintaining their safety, such as wearing appropriate clothing and reporting hazardous conditions.
Support Mental Well-being: Cold weather can affect mental health, leading to feelings of isolation or seasonal affective disorder.
1. Monitor Weather Forecasts: Stay informed about weather changes to adapt safety measures accordingly.
2. Regularly assess the risks posed by changing weather conditions and adjust safety protocols as necessary. This can include closing early, opening late, and modifying outdoor jobs to accommodate for the frigid temperatures.
1. Lead by Example: Management should lead by example in following safety protocols.
2. Recognize Safe Practices: Acknowledge and reward safe practices within the workplace.
3. Regularly Review and Update Safety Procedures: Safety is an ongoing concern. Regularly review and update your procedures to ensure they remain effective and relevant.
Wear a hardhat? We've got tips for How to Adjust Your Safety Helmet for Cold Weather.
Curious about the updated OSHA Guidelines for Cold Weather?
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Outdoor workers need to recognize these symptoms early.
Frostbite is the freezing of skin and underlying tissues, primarily affecting extremities like fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Signs include numbness and skin that appears waxy. Educators should teach employees about these signs and encourage them to dress
suitably.
Ice and snow can significantly increase the risk of slips and falls. Employers should regularly clear walkways and work areas and treat them with ice melt or sand.
