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Workplace Winter Safety Tips – Keep Safe and Warm

Safety E-QuickTips

U.S. Compliance Systems, Inc.

Monday Dec 20, 2021

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Don’t Let Winter Weather Get You Down

For much of the country winter brings cold, snow and icy conditions.

And with each condition comes specific safety concerns that require you to find ways to protect yourself and others working with you.

So, just what are those workplace winter safety tips and how can you protect yourself?

Cold Stress and Hypothermia– It’s getting cold out there. What are the signs and symptoms?

Cold Stress Symptoms

·Cold skin and a prickling feeling

·Numbness

·Skin that looks red, white, bluish-white, grayish-yellow, purplish, brown or ashen, depending on the severity of the condition and usual skin color

·Hard or waxy-looking skin

·Clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness

Hypothermia Symptoms

·Shivering

·Exhaustion or feeling very tired

·Confusion

·Fumbling hands

·Memory loss

·Slurred speech

·Drowsiness

How can you protect yourself?

  • ·Know the symptoms of cold stress: reddening skin, tingling, pain, swelling, leg cramps, numbness, and blisters[MR1][KD2].
  • ·Dress properly; wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing, insulated gloves and boots, and cover your head.
  • ·Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.
  • ·Stay dry and pack extra clothes; moisture can increase heat loss from the body.
  • ·Take frequent breaks in warm, dry areas.
  • ·Drink warm liquids.

Slips and Falls – Watch out for that . . . Too late.

  • ·Always clear snow and ice from walking and working surfaces and spread deicer as soon as possible.
  • ·Wear footwear with good traction.
  • ·Take short steps and walk at a slower pace to react quickly to changes in traction.
  • ·Avoid working at heights if possible when snow and ice exists.
  • ·If you must work at heights when snow and icy conditions exist, always use fall protection and make sure you are properly trained to use the equipment.
  • ·Ensure ladders are placed in non-slip areas and make sure the rungs are free of ice and snow.

Back and Muscle Strains – That snow can be heavy!

  • ·Use an ergonomically correct shovel.
  • ·Hold the shovel close to your body and put one hand closer to the blade to spread the shoveling exercise evenly.
  • ·Whenever possible, push snow to the side, rather than lifting. If you must lift, keep the shovel load light, especially if the snow is wet.
  • ·Bend with your knees, not your back. Use your leg muscles to provide you with power.
  • ·Square your shoulders and hips to the shovel without twisting your body. Use your whole body to turn instead of twisting your waist.

Hope these lists are helpful in keeping you and your coworkers safe this winter.

Employee QuickTip

Don’t forget to watch out for that black ice; it can be a back breaker.Try to keep warm this winter.

Employer/Management QuickTip

Winter brings in a whole new set of hazards when working outside.Make sure your employees are trained and prepared for those cold, snowy and icy conditions.

[MR1]

[KD2]

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Thanks for Reading and Please – Stay Healthy and Work Safe.