Keeping employees safe during winter

Just as the heat poses safety risks in the summer, the freezing temperatures and bitter wind chills of winter pose serious safety issues. Those who work outdoors, face the dangers of lowered body temperature, hypothermia, and frostbite.

As the temperatures drop, apply these tips from EMC Insurance to manage winter’s challenges.

• Dress for the weather to protect the body’s core. Multiple layers will help to keep body temperatures from dropping. The number of layers and type of clothing needed will depend on how physical the work is, how much movement is required, the amount of moisture in the air, and wind velocity.
• Don’t work alone and keep an eye on your coworkers. It may be difficult to identify hypothermia, but shivering; amnesia, poor judgement, and apathy are things to watch for.
• Protect your hands, fingers, toes, ears, and face. These areas are the most susceptible to frostbite, and can freeze in a little as two minutes.
• Know the symptoms of frostbite, which begins with pain followed by numbness. The cold stops blood flow to extremities, causing them to turn white.
• Provide a warm-up location where employees can go when needed to warm up. This could be a heated trailer or company vehicle. Portable heaters may be an option if they can be used safely.
• Provide equipment with heated handles, if available.
• Limit the amount of time employees are out in the cold. Monitor conditions and increase warm up cycles to keep workers safe.
• Provide training and reminders to all employees so that everyone can recognize the signs and symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia.

​Winter cold is a serious matter, but taking a few simple precautions can keep you and your employees safe.