Page 10 - OHS, September 2020

WINTER HAZARDS
■ Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. They can also use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels or sheets.
■ Warm beverages can help increase body temperature, but do not give alcoholic beverages or try to give alcoholic beverages to an unconscious person.
■ After the body temperature has increased, keep the victim dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
■ Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Slips, Trips and Falls
Workers also face slipping hazards during wintertime. Wet and icy patches outside can cause slips, trips and falls. The Economics Daily report found slips, trips and falls accounted for 290,660 work injuries in 2017.
Small business owners or managers should clear walking surfaces quickly and frequently, and spread a deicer or traction improver, such as cat litter, to reduce slick spots. Reroute people around pools of water or ice until those areas can be mopped up or de-iced.
Snow, ice and slush can also impact indoor environments. Snowy boots and muddy shoes can track water, slush and ice on floors and create slippery surfaces inside, especially on marble or tile floors. Water or condensation should be wiped up promptly. But until cleaned up, small business owners should alert people to potential slip, trip or fall hazards by placing “wet surface” warning signs or safety cones in affected areas. Managers should designate an area for workers and customers to stow boots or umbrellas near the office entrance to help contain any water-based messes. Place walk-off mats at each entrance to help remove moisture and debris from footwear.
In addition to proper warm clothing, workers should wear slip-resistant footwear in winter conditions; take deliberate, slow andsmallstepsonquestionablegroundandavoidcarryingloads that could offset balance. Wearing sunglasses can help vision by decreasing winter glare.
Ice and Snow Hazards
Indoor and outdoor worksites can both be hampered by hazardous areas where snow or ice impede entries and exits. Clearing snow can be a dangerous task, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cautions.7 Plan in advance of a winter event for how your business will handle snow and ice removal. Shoveling snow can be strenuous and exhausting, and can put workers at risk for back injuries, dehydration or, in extreme cases, a heart attack. Workers should be trained to push snow with a shovel instead of lifting it. Colder weather also adds extra stress to the body, so workers should be encouraged to take frequent breaks and warm up properly.
If workers use power tools, like snow blowers, the equipment should be in good working order and employees must be properly trained on the safe operation of each piece of equipment they are called upon to operate. Do not assume that an employee already knows how to use these potentially dangerous tools. Hazards can include worn electrical cables, clearing jams and obstructions and refueling. Always refer to the operator’s manual for each piece of equipment.
Workers performing snow-removal on roofs are also sometimes
in harm’s way. OSHA’s “Hazard Alert” commonly reports injuries and deaths related to falling off roof edges, falling through skylights and falling from ladders or sky lifts.8 Small business owners should train workers on the right type of equipment, such as ladders or aerial lifts, they will need to get the job done successfully and safely. They should also provide the right personal protective equipment, such as personal fall arrest systems and non-slip safety boots, for the job.
Small business owners are encouraged to use snow-removal methods that do not involve workers going on roofs, if possible. This includes snow rakes and dragging lines from the ground or applying de-icing materials.
If workers use vehicles as part of their job, OSHA recommends9 they be trained to inspect vehicle systems before winter to make sure everything is working properly, especially the cooling system. This includes confirming a mixture of 50/50 antifreeze and water is in the cooling system at the proper level to avoid freezing. Also check the battery, windshield wipers and tire treads to see if they are in good working order.
Additionally, workers should never be asked to do jobs for which they have received no training or that are not part of their job descriptions. This is especially important when it comes to operating machinery and equipment. It is better to call in a trained professional for challenging tasks rather than risk injury by asking an untrained worker to do them.
Fostering a safe and comfortable work environment requires commitment every day of the year, but especially when winter weather is a factor. By implementing the tips above, both before and during winter’s arrival, small business owners can ensure their employees are safe when temperatures plunge and can safeguard themselves from potential losses.
Dan Killins is a Loss Control Manager for EMPLOYERS, America’s small business insurance specialist, which offers workers’ compensation insurance and services through Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Preferred Insurance Company, and Employers Assurance Company.
REFERENCES
1. https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/ uploads/2019/04/23142719/2019-Small-Business-Profiles-US.pdf
2. https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2019/ice-sleet-and-snow-related-occupa- tional-injury-and-illness-rate-down-in-2017.htm?view_full
3. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/hypothermia.html
4. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/hypothermia.html?CDC_ AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fdisasters%2Fwinter%2Fstaysa fe%2Ffrostbite.html
5. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/trenchfoot.html
6. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/coldstress/recommendations.html
https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2019/fatal-work-injuries-down-slightly- in-2017.htm
7. https://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/winter_weather/hazards_precautions. html#walking
8. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA-3513roof-snow-hazard.pdf
9. https://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/winter_weather/hazards_precautions. html
10 Occupational Health & Safety | SEPTEMBER 2020
www.ohsonline.com