Safety is a timeless necessity in every workplace. But this time of the year calls for even more serious safety precautions as employees have to brave the harsh elements that come with the cold, winter weather. With the dropping temperature sweeping across the nation, employees are more at risk of meeting accidents through cold-related illnesses and injuries.

Photo by Kevin Rosseel

One effective way to safeguard workers from the fatal cold is to use engineering controls. Another is to let workers wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE) for their heads. This is important since most of the body’s heat escapes through the head. While it’s easy to don garments under helmets or hard hats to get additional insulation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) both have standards on how you should go about this adjustment.

Read on to learn more about the safety guidelines concerning these two winter safety lifelines for workers.

Engineering Controls for Winter

We’ve said before that installation and adjustments of engineering controls should come before recommending certain PPE for employees. Likewise, during these colder months, employers must see to it that work sites are equipped with adequate engineering controls for better insulation. Here are basic guidelines in choosing or installing them:

• Use an on-site heat source. Examples are radiant heaters, air jets and contact warm plates.

• Make sure a heated shelter is available for employees who work for long periods outdoors. They should be allowed to take frequent breaks in this shelter to avoid prolonged exposure outdoors, especially in inclement weather.

• Provide adequate shields for work sites exposed to windy or drafty conditions.

• Make sure thermal insulating materials are available for equipment handles. They should be used once temperatures drop below 30°F (-1°C).

Winter Head Protection

You know the deal with scarf and caps. While being fashionable when mixed and matched with clothing, they become indispensable tools when used as protection during winter.

Photo by Michael Connors

Yet when these winter garments are used as “winter liners” in the workplace, they spell a different story. While it’s all too easy to just slip them under your hard hat or helmet, there are certain guidelines you must stick to. Here they are:

• Employers or safety coordinators must see to it that employees don only winter liners that are specifically designed with the helmet or hard hat they have to wear.

• Caps, scarf, cloth and other garments as winter liners must be made of plastic, fabric or other suitable materials for the job.

• When making use of colored materials, make sure they are fast-dyed. You may also use an outer surface that is water-resistant.

• Winter liners coupled with Class B helmets must NOT have metal parts.

Related Links:

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PPE and How It Can Save Your Life – Part 1

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Safety for Businesses This Holiday Season:  Safety Tips on Choosing and Using Christmas Lights

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Vehicle Safety: 12 Safety Guidelines in Driving in Winter Weather