With much of the nation facing frigid, winter weather, it is especially Important to recognize the challenges that cold weather can bring to your employees who work outside, including frostbite, trench foot and hypothermia to name just a few. To keep your workers safe and secure when working outside in frigid weather, here are a few methods to protect them against the elements:

1. Try to schedule work for the warmest part of the day
2. Educate your workers about cold-induced illnesses and injuries
3. Instruct and encourage employees to wear proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions, including layers that can be adjusted to changing conditions
4. Be sure that employees in extremely frigid conditions take frequent, short breaks in warm dry shelters to allow their bodies to warm up
5. Have employees use the buddy system and work in pairs so that one employee can recognize danger signs in another
6. Make sure workers do not exert themselves to the point of exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm
7. 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
8. Inform employees to eat warm, high-calorie foods such as hot pasta dishes

We at Security Specialists Want You and Your Workers to Stay Safe this Winter Season!