Remember the five ps of cold weather preparedness to stay safe during the winter months. Cold weather safety tips for outdoor workers west bend insurance. This sheet provides safety information to your residents to help prevent motor vehicle injuries due to winter storms. The season of ice and snow can translate to hazards, and ultimately accidents. Slips and falls avoid slipups wet or snowy days can create slick floors at the workplace. Learn the signs and symptoms of cold weather illnesses and injuries. Cold weather safety free toolbox talks for the workplace. 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. I was only going to be there for a few minutes, so i. When preparing your home or workplace for the upcoming winter season, keep in mind that.
Osha has outlined a handful of winter hazards and tips on. Weather extremes, such as high winds, cold temperatures, ice, snow, sleet and freezing rain present potential hazards to workers. Hypothermia is a potentially fatal condition caused by loss of body temperature. The american heart association offers these tips for working out in the cold of winter. Some of the pages listed below are in a pdf format. Toolbox talk cold weather safety free toolbox talks for the. During cold weather, construction work requires special consideration. 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. 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. Check the temperature and limit your time outdoors if its. Working in the cold and even traveling to and from work in the winter takes lots of energy. Work schedules should allow some time for workers to adjust to the cold over a few days.
Know the signs of a heart attack, and stop immediately and call 911 if. These are in pdf format which should make it easy to print off and distribute. Weather safety handouts below are weather safety handouts created by the national weather service in wichita kansas. Download, print and share these tip sheets to spread the word about fire safety. Tool box talk winter work getting ready for winter weather. These tips have been brought to you by environment canada in collaboration with public safety canada.
When you know severely cold weather is coming, remember to take steps to prepare. No one wants to break down in any season, but especially not in cold or snowy winter weather. Cold weather safety tips in the workplace tis the season to be cautious. Another industry that benefits from cold weather safety tips in the workplace is the sports and recreation industry. Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme coldweather conditions. Dec 12, 2016 try to reduce outdoor activities in cold weather, and try to limit activities to the warmest hours of the day. Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold weather conditions.
The colder it gets, the more energy you need to use to stay warm. Texas department of insurance 333 guadalupe, austin tx 78701 p. Learn the signs of coldinduced illnesses and injuries. 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. Danger signs include uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, clumsy movements, fatigue, and confused behavior. Cold weather can be dangerous for anyone who spends time outdoors for either work or pleasure. Capsule tips doc 212 kb 11 quick tips you can share in emails. Communication is key, so dont forget automated and effective communication channels to relay school closings and other important weather safety information.
Nfpa offers free safety tip sheets on a variety of fire and life safety topics. If you work outside, its important to know about cold stress. Workers who are exposed to extreme cold or work in cold environments may be at risk of cold stress. Safety in cold weather the blueprint for workplace safety. 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 potential hazards to look out for and how to lessen the risks that come along with them. As an employer, it is your responsibility to provide workplace safety and to protect your employees from the various hazards that accompany cold weather. When you are outside, frostbite and hypothermia are possible so you need to protect yourself. Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet. Visit your mechanic for a tuneup and other routine maintenance. If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel.
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. 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. The arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values. 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. How to stay active in cold weather american heart association. 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. What workers need to know pdf 195 kb 3page tip sheet to help your team stay safe on winter roads. Wear several layers of loose clothing for insulation. We want all residents to stay safe during extreme cold weather. Workplace safety for winter weather allegiance staffing. Protect people being out in the cold too long i s dangerous for anyone, especially for children and.
Make sure to drink enough fluids, as you dehydrate faster in cold weather conditions. Flashlights and extra batteries nonelectric can opener. Do not massage the frostbitten area this may cause more damage. 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 temperatures and increased wind speed wind chill cause heat to leave the body more quickly, putting workers at risk of cold stress. Here is an example ron works construction at a local site during the winter months. As summer approaches and the days get longer, the dangers of working outside during hot weather also increases. Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that may be dangerous. If your employer doesnt provide comprehensive cold weather safety training to everyone working outdoors.
With the colder weather upon us, now is the time when slippery surfaces can form in the places we least expect. Keep your safety eyewear from fogging up in the cold. Check to make sure your home has a carbon monoxide detector on every level, especially near sleeping areas. Along with winter and snowy weather comes a sharp increase in slips, falls, and other cold weather related injuries. Some safety tips sheets can be customized with your organizations contact information. Construction workers cold weather safety checklist the. Safety meeting topics toolbox talks weather safety. Looking for cold weather safety tips to share at your next toolbox talk. Photo courtesy nebraska department of roads region 6.
Open the pdf and scroll down to the bottom of the tip sheet. General tips to protect yourself from the cold while working include. It reminds your crew about the risk of frostbite from working in the cold. 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. Know the signs of a heart attack, and stop immediately and call 911 if youre experiencing any of them.
Available in english and spanish, this laminated foldup card is free to employers, workers and the public. Protect your ears from frostbite wear a hat that will cover your ears or use ear muffs. Start the season off right by ensuring your vehicle is in optimal condition. Safety in the cold weather means being aware of frostbite. 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. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack.
Being prepared ahead of a storm will help you get through it safely. The best winter weather safety tips for your workplace. Usually, your skin will become white and you wont have much circulation. You need to recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that can lead to cold induced injuries and illnesses. Tool box talk winter work getting ready for winter weather work. Try to reduce outdoor activities in cold weather, and try to limit activities to the warmest hours of the day. 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. Cold weather safety tips, plus information about outdoor conditions and machinery and equipment use. Heat and cold stress program environmental health and safety. Cold weather extended exposure to freezing or cold temperatures can result in health problems such as trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia.
This is where youll find videos, articles, and tips all regarding weather safety. Immerse the affected area in warm not hot water, or warm the affected area using body heat. Extremely cold air comes every winter in at least part of the country and affects millions of people across the united states. Get the right safety moment or safety meeting topic for your next tool box talk. Common types of cold stress hypothermia normal body temperature 98. 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. Check your winter wardrobe for entanglement hazards such as scarves. Working in cold or freezing temperatures for a long time can lead to health problems.
Here are some tips to help you and your co workers. Use antifog coatings and wipes that are appropriate for your eyewear. Heat and cold stress program environmental health and. Winter driving hazards pdf 572 kb identify winter driving hazards and risks specific to. People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite in a matter of minutes. Keep them at least 15 feet away from fuelburning appliances. Excessive exposure to low temperatures, wind or moisture can cause two dangerous conditions. Safety in cold weather the blueprint for workplace. Getting ready for winter weather work here are some reminders about dressing for the weather and staying strong, healthy, and safe this winter. When the body is unable to warm itself, lifethreatening injuries such as hypothermia and frostbite may occur. Working in cold weather safety tips you should implement today. Oshas cold stress card provides a reference guide and recommendations to combat and prevent many illnesses and injuries.
Welcome to safeopedias weather safety meeting topics. 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. Our public safety agencies put together a comprehensive set of safety tips for the winter season. Work in pairs so you and your coworker can spot the danger signs. You need to recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that can lead to coldinduced injuries and illnesses. With winter comes a whole new set of risks people should be aware of on and off the job. Cold weather safety tips to remember while working outside. When it is also windy and raining or snowing, your body uses even more energy and loses heat faster. 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. Box 149104, austin, tx 78714 5126766000 8005784677.
Safety tips on choosing and using christmas lights. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves. During the winter, construction workers face a natural hazard cold weather. 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. Cold weather safety tips when you are outside, frostbite and hypothermia are possible so you need to protect yourself.
Please also check on your elderly or disabled neighbors, and take caution when using portable heating. Wear layers of loosefitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Knowing how to work safely in hot weather can help prevent heat stress injuries and heat stroke. Safety tips to prevent winterrelated workplace accidents. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold. 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. Here are some tips to help you and your coworkers stay safe this season. Do not use a heating pad, fireplace or radiator for warming. Cold related illnesses can slowly overcome an individual who has been chilled by cold temperature, strong winds or wet clothing. 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. Toolbox talk cold weather safety free toolbox talks for.
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