Winter weather can create various hazards that include slippery surfaces and roads, strong winds and frigid temperatures.
These conditions can promote an increase in workplace accidents that include hypothermia, frostbite, and falls. However, many of those injuries can be prevented with the right preparation and presence of mind.
Prevention techniques are most effective when everyone in the organization makes safety a priority. The following measures can help keep you safe at work during the winter months:
- Keep walkways, stairways and other work areas clear of hazards, such as water on floors and snow on sidewalks.
- For hazardous areas that cannot be addressed immediately, mark them with temporary signs or barricades to warn others.
- If working in a cold climate, wear footwear with heavy treads for increased traction, and make yourself visible to drivers by wearing a bright vest or jacket.
- Recognize the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
- Determine controls to reduce hazards, such as relocating or removing dangerous environmental factors.
© 2017 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
Material posted on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legal opinion or medical advice. Contact your legal representative or medical professional for information specific to your legal or medical needs.
