It probably happened to you more than one time before. You’re on the field on a usually cloudy day when suddenly, cool gusts of wind blow your way. Before long, this biting cold creeps inside your body and you end up shivering on the job. Because you did not expect this sudden change in weather, you end up all cold and possibly even sick later.
Photo by Andrea Church
Changing weather is often nature’s way of telling you that winter is on its way. Whether you like it or not, it can happen while you’re on the job. The best you can do is prepare for this phenomenon. After all, when you’re uncomfortable, you’re more at risk of committing mistakes and meeting accidents. So read on, and know more about maintaining safety during changing weather.
- Layer clothing so you can create air pockets that help retain body heat.
- Wear at least three layers to keep yourself warm. It’s best to have nylon for the outer layer (to break the wind), down or wool for the middle layer (to absorb sweat) and cotton or synthetic weave for the inner layer (to allow ventilation).
- Prepare garments that can protect or cover your head, feet, hands and face.
- Avoid donning dirty or greasy clothing since it has poor insulating properties
- Erect toe boards, screens, or guardrail systems to prevent objects from falling from higher levels.
- Erect a canopy structure and keep potential fall objects far enough from the higher level so the objects cannot be blown over the edge. Secure all objects that high winds could displace. Guardrails must be installed at all open sides.
- Barricade the area where objects could fall, and prohibit employees from entering the barricaded area.
- When heaters are used in confined spaces, special care shall be taken to provide sufficient ventilation in order to ensure proper combustion, maintain the health and safety of workmen, and limit temperature rise in the area.
- Inspect controls of all portable heaters. Remove immediately if any damage has occurred.
- Heaters used in the vicinity of combustible tarpaulins, canvases, or similar coverings shall be located away from the coverings. Fasten coverings securely in high winds. Always make sure a fire extinguisher is readily available in the work site.
Related Links:
Top 10 OSHA Fines for Small Companies
PPE and How It Can Save Your Life – Part 1
What Every Employer and Employee Must Know: Complete Scope of Safety Training
