Cold weather safety tips in the workplace pdf

According to the national institute for occupational safety and health niosh, heat stroke is the most serious heatrelated disorder and occurs when the body can no longer control. How to stay active in cold weather when winter blows in, you can pull the blankets over your head and go back to sleepor you can suit up and head out for an outdoor winter adventure. Here are some important winter safety tips to help you and your family stay safe. Keep your babys crib free of stuffed animals and extra blankets.

Learn the signs and symptoms of cold weather illnesses and injuries. Working in the cold and even traveling to and from work in the winter takes lots of energy. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weatherrelated health problems. A publications cover a thumbnail for table of contents publication. When you are outside, frostbite and hypothermia are possible so you need to protect yourself.

How to stay active in cold weather american heart association. Danger signs include uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, clumsy movements, fatigue, and confused behavior. Protect your ears from frostbite wear a hat that will cover your ears or use ear muffs. Here are some potential hazards to look out for and how to lessen the risks that come along with them. Make sure to drink enough fluids, as you dehydrate faster in cold weather conditions.

Toolbox talk cold weather safety free toolbox talks for the. Along with winter and snowy weather comes a sharp increase in slips, falls, and other cold weather related injuries. As summer approaches and the days get longer, the dangers of working outside during hot weather also increases. Nfpa offers free safety tip sheets on a variety of fire and life safety topics. Extreme cold weather is a dangerous situation that can bring on health emergencies in susceptible people, such as those without shelter, outdoor workers, and those who work in an area that is poorly insulated or without heat. I was only going to be there for a few minutes, so i. Slips and falls avoid slipups wet or snowy days can create slick floors at the workplace. Texas department of insurance 333 guadalupe, austin tx 78701 p. This is where youll find videos, articles, and tips all regarding weather safety. Safety in cold weather the blueprint for workplace. When it is also windy and raining or snowing, your body uses even more energy and loses heat faster.

Here is an example ron works construction at a local site during the winter months. Available in english and spanish, this laminated foldup card is free to employers, workers and the public. What workers need to know pdf 195 kb 3page tip sheet to help your team stay safe on winter roads. Photo courtesy nebraska department of roads region 6. Learn the signs of coldinduced illnesses and injuries. Winter safety tips home emergency supplies winter has arrived, plan ahead for extremely cold weather with a supply of these items in the event a winter storm or power outage prevents you from leaving home. Tool box talk winter work getting ready for winter weather. These are in pdf format which should make it easy to print off and distribute. Get the right safety moment or safety meeting topic for your next tool box talk. Working in cold or freezing temperatures for a long time can lead to health problems. Cold weather safety tips when you are outside, frostbite and hypothermia are possible so you need to protect yourself. At home or on the road, heres your cold weather safety. Open the pdf and scroll down to the bottom of the tip sheet. Know the signs of a heart attack, and stop immediately and call 911 if youre experiencing any of them.

These tips have been brought to you by environment canada in collaboration with public safety canada. You need to recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that can lead to coldinduced injuries and illnesses. Communication is key, so dont forget automated and effective communication channels to relay school closings and other important weather safety information. When you know severely cold weather is coming, remember to take steps to prepare.

Dec 12, 2016 try to reduce outdoor activities in cold weather, and try to limit activities to the warmest hours of the day. Slips, trips and falls happen yearround, of course, but winter ice and snow create a more hazardous environment that increases the risk of worker injuries. The best winter weather safety tips for your workplace. Know the signs of a heart attack, and stop immediately and call 911 if. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather related health problems. This sheet provides safety information to your residents to help prevent motor vehicle injuries due to winter storms. Some of the pages listed below are in a pdf format. Cold weather safety tips for outdoor workers west bend insurance. Winter driving hazards pdf 572 kb identify winter driving hazards and risks specific to. Cold weather safety tips to remember while working outside. Wear layers of loosefitting, lightweight, warm clothing. While these days are merrier with colorful decor lining the streets and holiday tunes harmonizing in the air, conditions on the job are dangerous now more than any time of the year.

Cold temperatures and increased wind speed wind chill cause heat to leave the body more quickly, putting workers at risk of cold stress. Safety in the cold weather means being aware of frostbite. Start the season off right by ensuring your vehicle is in optimal condition. Remember the five ps of cold weather preparedness to stay safe during the winter months.

Use antifog coatings and wipes that are appropriate for your eyewear. Workplace safety for winter weather allegiance staffing. Safety meeting topics toolbox talks weather safety. The colder it gets, the more energy you need to use to stay warm. Try to reduce outdoor activities in cold weather, and try to limit activities to the warmest hours of the day. Hypothermia is a potentially fatal condition caused by loss of body temperature. Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme coldweather conditions. Weather extremes, such as high winds, cold temperatures, ice, snow, sleet and freezing rain present potential hazards to workers. Cold weather extended exposure to freezing or cold temperatures can result in health problems such as trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia. Cold weather safety tips, plus information about outdoor conditions and machinery and equipment use. Excessive exposure to low temperatures, wind or moisture can cause two dangerous conditions. Cold related illnesses can slowly overcome an individual who has been chilled by cold temperature, strong winds or wet clothing. The bureau of labor statistics recently announced that slips, trips and falls accounted for 800 workplace fatalities in 2015 at a time when workplace deaths in the u.

Cold weather can be dangerous for anyone who spends time outdoors for either work or pleasure. With winter comes a whole new set of risks people should be aware of on and off the job. General tips to protect yourself from the cold while working include. Osha has outlined a handful of winter hazards and tips on. Cold weather safety free toolbox talks for the workplace. Weather safety handouts below are weather safety handouts created by the national weather service in wichita kansas. Keep them at least 15 feet away from fuelburning appliances. No one wants to break down in any season, but especially not in cold or snowy winter weather. Welcome to safeopedias weather safety meeting topics. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves. Check your winter wardrobe for entanglement hazards such as scarves.

Some safety tips sheets can be customized with your organizations contact information. During the winter, construction workers face a natural hazard cold weather. Check the temperature and limit your time outdoors if its. Safety tips to prevent winterrelated workplace accidents. Protect people being out in the cold too long i s dangerous for anyone, especially for children and. Workers who are exposed to extreme cold or work in cold environments may be at risk of cold stress. Being prepared ahead of a storm will help you get through it safely. As an employer, it is your responsibility to provide workplace safety and to protect your employees from the various hazards that accompany cold weather. Work in pairs so you and your coworker can spot the danger signs. Cold weather safety tips in florida, where the weather is warm for most of the year, its easy to forget that cold weather can bring dangers.

Usually, your skin will become white and you wont have much circulation. Here are some tips to help you and your co workers. When preparing your home or workplace for the upcoming winter season, keep in mind that. When i got to the site, i realized i left my safety vest in the truck.

If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel. Working in cold weather safety tips you should implement today. Extremely cold air comes every winter in at least part of the country and affects millions of people across the united states. Heat and cold stress program environmental health and safety.

Construction workers cold weather safety checklist the. You need to recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that can lead to cold induced injuries and illnesses. Immerse the affected area in warm not hot water, or warm the affected area using body heat. Getting ready for winter weather work here are some reminders about dressing for the weather and staying strong, healthy, and safe this winter. During cold weather, construction work requires special consideration. Help workers weather the cold posted on december 8, 2016 by langdon dement in occupational health, workplace safety now that winter has arrived in the northern hemisphere, workers are at risk for health emergencies. Visit your mechanic for a tuneup and other routine maintenance.

The arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values. Winter weather health and safety tips winter storms can sweep through bringing high winds, large amounts of accumulating and drifting snow, ice, and extreme cold temperatures. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Preventing coldrelated illness, injury, and death among workers workers, both indoors and outdoors, in services, transportation, agriculture, construction, and other industries may be exposed to environmental cold stress that can lead to thermal discomfort and in some cases even. Tool box talk winter work getting ready for winter weather work. Cold weather safety tips in the workplace tis the season to be cautious. Knowing how to work safely in hot weather can help prevent heat stress injuries and heat stroke. Here are some tips to help you and your coworkers stay safe this season. Box 149104, austin, tx 78714 5126766000 8005784677. If you work outside, its important to know about cold stress. Oshas cold stress card provides a reference guide and recommendations to combat and prevent many illnesses and injuries. Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet. With the colder weather upon us, now is the time when slippery surfaces can form in the places we least expect. It reminds your crew about the risk of frostbite from working in the cold.

Do not massage the frostbitten area this may cause more damage. Safety tips on choosing and using christmas lights. Wear several layers of loose clothing for insulation. Safety in cold weather the blueprint for workplace safety. Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold weather conditions. Common types of cold stress hypothermia normal body temperature 98.

Check to make sure your home has a carbon monoxide detector on every level, especially near sleeping areas. Cold weather safety in this issue page 1 cold weather safety page 1 treating cold weather injuries page 2 the abcs of cold weather gear working in cold weather can be dangerous without adequate winter clothing and preparation. Work schedules should allow some time for workers to adjust to the cold over a few days. Preventing cold related illness, injury, and death among workers workers, both indoors and outdoors, in services, transportation, agriculture, construction, and other industries may be exposed to environmental cold stress that can lead to thermal discomfort and in some cases even severe injuries, illnesses, or death. Capsule tips doc 212 kb 11 quick tips you can share in emails. Our public safety agencies put together a comprehensive set of safety tips for the winter season. When the body is unable to warm itself, lifethreatening injuries such as hypothermia and frostbite may occur.

Flashlights and extra batteries nonelectric can opener. Please also check on your elderly or disabled neighbors, and take caution when using portable heating. Cold stress is a preventable danger that involves a persons skin temperature and eventually internal body temperature dropping to levels at which the body cannot warm itself, according to osha. The american heart association offers these tips for working out in the cold of winter. Notify your supervisor and get medical help immediately if you or another worker has symptoms of hypothermia or another coldrelated illness or injury. Hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot and chilblains are all illnesses and injuries caused by cold stress. We want all residents to stay safe during extreme cold weather. Winter hazards and workplace safety winter is here again in illinois. Toolbox talk cold weather safety free toolbox talks for. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold. Looking for cold weather safety tips to share at your next toolbox talk.

Keep your safety eyewear from fogging up in the cold. If your employer doesnt provide comprehensive cold weather safety training to everyone working outdoors. Heat and cold stress program environmental health and. The season of ice and snow can translate to hazards, and ultimately accidents. People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite in a matter of minutes. Dec 08, 2016 help workers weather the cold posted on december 8, 2016 by langdon dement in occupational health, workplace safety now that winter has arrived in the northern hemisphere, workers are at risk for health emergencies. Another industry that benefits from cold weather safety tips in the workplace is the sports and recreation industry. Do not use a heating pad, fireplace or radiator for warming.