‘Tis the season to be cautious. While these days are merrier with colorful decors lining the streets and Christmas tunes wafting in the air, conditions on the job are dangerous now more than any time of the year. This is true for places where Christmas brings with it the torturing cold of winter.
But winter not only gifts us poor earthlings with a frigid weather. With all the snow and ice from the heavens, winter also blesses us with wet and slippery grounds. That is why employees working outdoors are at a big risk of slipping and falling on the job.
Ice and Snow Accumulation
But like any unsafe condition on the job, snow and ice accumulation can be eliminated by following some basic safety guidelines. Here they are:
- Wear shoes or boots with non-slip or non-skid soles.
- Monitor weather conditions by knowing the latest weather updates.
- Don’t allow snow or ice to accumulate in work areas. Clear them off immediately, especially if they run off on scaffolds and roofs.
- Always clear of ice and snow all walkways and entrance steps to buildings .
- Use anti-slip materials like sand or salt to make walkways and parking lots less slippery.
- Store shovels and gloves in areas known to all personnel.
- Always wear a hard hat when going outdoors. This should protect you from falling objects, as well as impacts caused by slips on slippery surfaces.
- Inspect overhead areas to make sure that snow and ice do not accumulate on them.
- Before using ladders, ensure that they are completely free of ice, snow and other materials that may cause slips or falls.
- To keep ladders and scaffolds well-maintained and protected from snow and ice, cover them before the end of the shift.
- Before using equipment and tools used for ice, inspect them well first. Make sure they are not covered with ice or they have the potential to hurt you or others when dropped.
- Wear proper fall protection when clearing slippery materials of high places. For double protection, consider installing safety rails on such areas.
- Follow proper procedures in safe lifting and shoveling.
- Make sure areas that may have unseen ice or snow are well-lighted and equipped with directional markings.
Cold Stress
As if snow- and ice-related injuries are not enough, certain health conditions may hit workers because of severe cold. That is, they are at risk of developing hypothermia or frostbite because of the dropping temperature. These conditions are generally known as cold stress. Tomorrow, we’ll talk more about cold stress and some safety guidelines you must follow to avoid exposure.
For now, be safe outdoors by wearing proper PPE and getting rid of all snow and ice where they’re not welcome!
Related Links:
Better Fall Protection in Your Workplace: News and Safety Tips
Preventing Falls Through Skylights and Roof Openings
Emergency Response Plan for Fall-Related Emergencies
Top 7 Tips on Using the 2006 Census to Improve Workplace Safety
Cold Stress Prevention: 7 Safety Tips to Prevent Hypothermia and Frostbite
