Cold weather safety is important to remember at this time of year. With last weeks major snowfall marking the beginning of another long winter season, it’s a good time to go over safety procedures with your employees that work outside in the elements. To help your employees stay safe and secure, here are a few methods to protect them against the icy weather:
- Be sure that employees in extremely cold conditions take frequent, short breaks in warm dry shelters to allow their bodies to warm up
- Educate your workers about cold-induced illnesses and injuries
- Try to schedule work for the warmest part of the day
- Have employees use the buddy system and work in pairs so that one employee can recognize danger signs in another
- Cold weather safety includes educating and encouraging employees to wear proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions, including layers that can be adjusted to changing conditions
- Make sure workers do not exert themselves to the point of exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm
- Make sure employees stay hydrated with warm, sweet beverages (sports-type drinks) and avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas or hot chocolate) or alcohol
- Inform employees to eat warm, high-calorie foods such as hot pasta dishes
