Seasonal Safety Tips
December 28, 2017
Winter Safety Tips: Although employers cannot control roadway conditions, they can promote safe driving behavior by ensuring workers recognize the hazards of winter weather driving. Set and enforce driver safety policies. Implement an effective maintenance program for all vehicles and mechanized equipment that workers are required to operate. Have properly trained workers inspect the vehicle systems to determine if they are working properly. One thing many workers fail to consider when dealing with cold weather is the windchill factor. 80% of a worker's body heat that is lost on cold days is due to the windchill, so the trick is to understand how the windchill is affecting what it really feels like outside, not just what the temperature indicates. For example, 34 degrees Fahrenheit outside with no windchill feels MUCH different than 34 degrees with a 25mph wind. The wind blows away the thin layer of air above the skin that usually protects workers, creating a much colder environment. So, to protect against the elements, here are some options:
- Provide high-insulation clothing.
- Allow moisture to escape from the inside of the clothing.
- Resist moisture from getting in from the outside.
- Be unrestrictive to movement.
- Have minimal bulk and weight.
- Be easy to put on and take off.
- Be durable.
The following clothing is recommended for workers who will be working briefly or for extended periods of time in the cold this winter.
- Underwear: Thermal underwear should be worn with cotton shirt and shorts underneath.
- Pants: Lined thermal-type pants; wool and quilted pants are recommended. Pants should provide room and should be worn with suspenders, not a belt. Belts constrict circulation.
- Shirts: Wool shirts are best for cold weather. They should be worn over underwear tops and suspenders with the shirttail worn outside of the pants to help ventilation. If you are allergic to wool, you can wear a cotton or synthetic shirt.
- Socks: Socks should assist in the evaporation of sweat without restricting circulation. The best socks for this are high wool socks. Avoid stretchy socks if you can since they limit circulation.
- Boots: Any and all footwear should be waterproof and reach high up the leg. The most strongly recommended boots are rubber bottomed, felt lined, and leather toppers with removable insoles.
- Face Masks: Face masks may limit or impair vision and need to be removed on a constant basis to check for frostbite.
- Head Covers: Hat liners or wool knit caps that extend down the back of the neck are the best choice. However, a ski mask or balaclava will offer even more protection against the cold.
- Mittens and Gloves: For full protection from the cold, mittens are recommended. However, you will want to carry both mittens and gloves so you can put the gloves on when you need more dexterity when moving your fingers. Sometimes, just the fact that your hands and fingers are cold and have less grip and dexterity could lead to disastrous consequences. When you can't feel your hands or fingers, it becomes much harder to grip and handle tools, materials or other equipment. This can lead to accidents that could injure or kill someone, simply because they lost their grip on their tools or couldn't handle them correctly.
Cold weather also tends to affect the moods of workers. It is natural to feel the winter blues once the cold weather sets in, especially if it's been cold for a considerable amount of time. When workers become irritated or grumpy while working, this can also lead to accidents due to workers rushing to get jobs done so they can get inside and warm up again. They can also forget about, or become less aware of, the hazards around them. The goal of AlaCOMP in 2018 involves a focus on reducing workplace injuries. With the addition of the Safety Library, the company now provides convenient access to a variety of information including PowerPoint, videos and quizzes. Further, the new Training Learning Management System allows companies to track employee training on all safety library information. AlaCOMP will continue to provide up-to-date safety information with outstanding customer service. Thank you for your continued partnership towards a successful 2018.