With as many as eleven million folks from California to Wisconsin being impacted for a potentially massive storm expected to bring snow and severe weather, we collectively get ready nationwide for the impending cold and frosty weather. For your employees that work outside, it is especially Important to recognize the challenges that frosty weather can bring, including frostbite, trench foot and hypothermia to name just a few. To keep your workers safe and secure when working outside, here are a few methods to protect them against the elements:
- Instruct and encourage employees to wear proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions, including layers that can be adjusted to changing conditions
- 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
- Be sure that employees in extremely frigid conditions take frequent, short breaks in warm dry shelters to allow their bodies to warm up
- 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
