In “Keeping the Chill Out: Working Safe in Cold Weather,” Cynthia Roth discusses worker safety during harsh winter weather months.  Workers can face serious health issues when working outside in cold weather elements for an extended period of time.  According to Roth, workers in industries that have exposure to cold weather include postal workers, construction workers, utility workers, police and firefighters.  Working in harsh weather can cause frostbite and hypothermia and be potentially harmful to employees.  When working outside for an extended period of time, employees should be aware of the warning signs of frost bite and hypothermia and what they can do to protect against illness.  Roth states that symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia include feeling numb, burning sensations, shivering and dizziness.  Workers in wet conditions, wearing little or no insulation and who are outside in long periods of time are at risk for developing warning signs.

According to Roth, to help prevent illness in cold weather, employees should review the following prevention tips:

• Insulate properly.
• Wear proper winter clothing.
• Remove any wet clothes immediately.
• Eat properly and keep hydrated.

It is vital employees are aware of the dangers of working outside during winter.  By understanding the dangers and recognizing warning signs to illnesses such as frostbite and hypothermia, workers know how to respond to avoid illness.  To ensure all employees are aware of the dangers of working outside in harsh winters, employers should incorporate winter weather safety in their training programs at facilities.  By doing so, employers are able to provide important information that may help save lives.

Winter weather safety should be a vital piece of every company’s safety training program.  It is just as important for employers to offer winter safety training as it is to provide employees with proper machinery, safety glasses, safety clothing and safety flooring to offer an all encompasses safety training that offers employees the highest level of protection.

Roth, Cynthia. “Keeping the Chill Out: Working Safe in Cold Weather.” EHS Today. December 2010. http://ehstoday.com/health/news/keeping-chill-working-safe-cold-1201/index1.html

Filed under: Weather Safety, Workplace Safety by Beth Faraci Social tagging: Safety Training > weather flooring