Page 10 - Occupational Health & Safety, October 2019

WINTER HAZARDS
On the cusp of winter, mid-October to early December is a dangerous time for drivers as it’s deer mating season, otherwise known as the rut. Deer are typically most active during dusk and dawn, so please pay attention to the amber caution signs placed intentionally where wildlife activity is the highest. If you see a deer crossing the road, more than likely there will be more, so be alert for more. If you are in one of the 1.6 million deer-vehicle collisions that occur each year, do not immediately exit your ve- hicle to check on the wounded deer. Don’t put yourself at risk of being hit by another moving vehicle as well as possibly being at- tacked by the injured animal.
Shoveling Snow
If you are assigned snow shoveling duty at home or at work, re- member to:
1. Dress appropriately for the conditions. Don several layers to help maintain comfort and minimize sweating. Wear personal protective gear such as high visibility apparel per employer policy.
2. Warm up to prepare your muscles by performing simple movements and stretches prior to shoveling. Start slow and take pe- riodic rest breaks. Pay close attention to what your body is telling, you as shoveling can elevate stress on your cardiovascular system.
3. Choose the right shovel for yourself and the conditions. A snow shovel with a small blade and bent handle tends to minimize effort and extreme bending.
4. Plan accordingly and start early, as fresh snow tends to be lighter and easier to move. Venture out periodically during a long storm to keep shoveled loads more manageable.
5. Protect your back by engaging your powerful leg muscles with a slight bend at the knee and assume a wide stance for im- proved balance. Avoid deep bending at the waist and limit twisting by turning in the direction you are throwing the snow. Push the snow whenever possible.
Each year, about 11,500 people are treated in hospital emer- gency rooms for injuries that happened while shoveling and about 4,300 people are injured using a snow blower. Most snow blower injuries occur while trying to clear snow and ice jams from the col- lection auger or discharge chute. If a machine is clogged, always power it down. Shut off gasoline models and unplug electric ones. Never—ever—use your hand to clear the intake auger or discharge chute. Use the handle provided with most new snow blowers, stick, ice scraper, or other tool to remove ice and packed snow.
In general, leave snow and ice removal from roofs to the profes- sionals, and at the very least, follow these safety tips:
1. If possible, avoid going on the roof and instead work from the ground using a roof rake.
2. Whether working from the ground or atop the roof, perform a hazard assessment to account for dangers such as skylights and tripping hazards.
3. When clearing snow from a rooftop approach, evaluate the roof for snow load and potential collapse with added weight from workers and equipment.
4. Think fall protection and use the appropriate safeguarding system for the existing conditions.
5. Work in small teams or pairs and avoid working alone.
Winter Illness
We’ve talked about some key hazards of snow and ice (two forms rendered when water reaches its freezing point temperature). Now, we’ll discuss steps to avoid hypothermia that occurs when your body temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) which can certainly happen when working in cold conditions:
1. Don’t wear clothing that is wet or damp. It’s just as important to stay dry as it is to stay warm in cold weather.
2. Avoid overheating and excessive sweating by dressing in lay- ers with a base layer that wicks away perspiration, a middle layer for insulation, and an outer layer that’s water and wind resistant, then remove or add clothing depending on your exertion level.
3. Always bring extra clothing just in case your clothing does get wet or damp, and be aware of changing weather conditions when working outdoors.
4. Wear appropriate hand, foot, and head covering that are well insulated and waterproof.
5. Stay well hydrated and maintain energy levels through proper nutrition.
Winter Footwear
Let’s go a little more in-depth on winter footwear and slip/fall pre- vention as it bears repeating:
1. Get a grip on maintaining balance by wearing footwear with a high traction outsole or supplement footwear with traction en- hancing devices (spikes, cleats, grips) suited for the terrain.
2. Choose insulated footwear that’s breathable and waterproof if exposed to wet conditions.
3. Take it slow, adjust your stride, and pay attention to surface conditions while walking.
4. Avoid walking on surfaces that are covered with snow, ice, or slush.
5. Always consider the type of surface you may encounter when choosing your footwear. Remember, slips occur when there is not enough friction between what is on your feet and the surface underfoot.
The winter season offers a lot of enjoyment for outdoor enthusi- asts, but it can also spell disaster for the unprepared. Snow and cold are both spelled with four letters; follow the five safety tips for the most common winter hazards so you don’t end up uttering other four-letter-words in dismay. Don’t let Old Man Winter hold you in his icy grip—be prepared.
Gregory LaRochelle is a safety management consultant at MEMIC with more than 30 years of experience in the environment, health and safety field. He began his safety career as a field technician for an environmental consulting firm, eventually becoming operations manager. He then worked as a safety engineer/industrial hygienist for a major Maine company that is an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star site—which was an invaluable experience in terms of becoming familiar with an outstanding safety program. He has his Workers’ Compensation Professional (WCP) designation and earned a bachelor’s degree in medical biology from the University of New England and a master’s degree in anatomy from the Ohio State University College of Medicine.
10 Occupational Health & Safety | OCTOBER 2019
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