Page 10 - Occupational Health & Safety, December 2018

FACILITY SAFETY
Ready for the Cold?
Both your employees and your facilities should be well prepared for cold weather hazards.
BY PAUL SMITH
By December, employers in most regions of the United States already should have prepared their facilities for winter’s cold temperatures and occasional ice and snow-
storms. But a few reminders now won’t hurt.
Icy parking lots and walkways are an obvious hazard for employees, delivery personnel, and visi- tors. Your maintenance team should be armed and ready with salt or ice melt on hand to keep these ar- eas clear, so that everyone can get in and out of your
facilities safely.
Employees may track ice, snow, and mud as they
enter a building, so management should make sure absorbent mats are placed at each entrance to mini- mize potential slip hazards. Loading and shipping docks are another area where slip hazards may be present, because these are usually open to the weather for most of the day in all seasons. Metal gates and out- side steps can get wet and slippery, particularly after storms, when snow and ice may melt and refreeze frequently. Non-slip mats and blast heaters should be provided to prevent falls and keep workers comfort- able. If workers bring their own space heaters to your facility, those can present fire or electrical hazards that you certainly do not want.
Winter safety plans should cover employees who require cold weather gear, such as gloves, boots, hats, glare protection, and coats. The plans also might in- clude food for extra-long shifts, emergency genera- tors, transportation costs, or contractors, such as com- panies hired for snow removal. Experts recommend reviewing your facility’s winter safety plan early with your maintenance staff to ensure they have enough manpower to perform the tasks as outlined in it.
If your facility has emergency backup power, has it been tested, and do personnel know how to acti- vate it if it is not automatic? Facilities also should be prepared to deal with dead batteries on vehicles and lighting, including flashlights.
Preventing Cold Stress Injuries and Illnesses
OSHA agrees that outdoor work requires proper preparation, especially in severe winter weather con- ditions, and that employers should provide training on cold stress, including:
■ how to recognize the symptoms of cold stress and prevent cold stress injuries and illnesses
■ the importance of self-monitoring and moni- toring co-workers for symptoms
10 Occupational Health & Safety | DECEMBER 2018
■ first aid and how to call for additional medical assistance in an emergency
■ how to select proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions
Many employers provide their workers with win- ter weather gear, with OSHA noting that dressing properly is “extremely important to preventing cold stress.” When cold environments or temperatures can’t be avoided, these actions can help workers pro- tect themselves from cold stress:
■ Wear at least three layers of loose fitting cloth- ing. Layering provides better insulation—with the recommendation to combine an inner layer to keep moisture away from the body, a middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet, and an outer layer that protects against wind and rain but allows some ventilation to prevent overheating.
■ Wear a knit mask to cover your face and mouth (if needed).
■ Wear a hat that also covers your ears, to reduce the amount of body heat that escapes from your head.
■ Wear insulated and water-resistant gloves.
■ Wear insulated and waterproof boots.
■ Stay dry in the cold because moisture or damp-
ness can increase the rate of heat loss from the body. ■ Keep extra clothing handy in case you get wet
and need to change.
■ Drink warm sweetened fluids (no alcohol).
Safe Work Practices for the Cold
Steps employers can take include these, according to an OSHA winter weather preparedness online resource:
■ Schedule maintenance and repair jobs for warmer months.
■ Schedule jobs that expose workers to the cold weather in the warmer part of the day.
■ Limit the amount of time spent outdoors on extremely cold days.
■ Use relief workers to help out on long, de- manding jobs.
■ Provide warm areas for use during breaks.
Employers should monitor weather conditions during winter storms and should have a reliable means of communicating with workers and be able to stop work or evacuate when necessary, according to the agency.
Paul Smith is a freelance writer working in Dallas, Texas. www.ohsonline.com