From icy paths and roadways to working out in cold temperatures, winter demands a heightened level of awareness to stay safe at work and home. While an environment of occupational safety is consistently promoted within Mazzella Companies, we recognize that winter weather can present a set of challenges that can make commuting or doing outdoor work at home risky.
For this article, we sat down with Kevin Paul, Safety Director, to discuss his best tips for minimizing hazards during the winter months on and off the roads.
Winter Driving
The first thing you can do to reduce your exposure to winter driving hazards is to limit your outings to necessary trips only. If the trip is necessary, waiting until the roads have been adequately cleared minimizes risk.
Before Driving
- Inspect your tire treads, battery, windshield wipers, antifreeze, and no-freeze windshield fluid.
- Make sure that your insurance is current in case of any accidents.
- Ensure your cell phone is completely charged before driving.
- Be prepared by stocking your vehicle with essentials like blankets, a working flashlight, flares, traction aids, jumper cables, snacks, snow and ice scraper, shovel, water, and warm clothing.
- Inform a family member or friend of your whereabouts in case assistance is needed.
- If you are drinking or plan to drink, designate a sober driver.
While Driving
- Approach intersections cautiously and reduce your speed to allow a stopping distance.
- Keep your eyes out for pedestrians walking in the road due to snowy sidewalk conditions.
- If the rear end of your car slides, turn your steering wheel gently in the same direction.
- Take familiar routes you’re comfortable driving in non-ideal conditions.
If You Become Stranded
- Contact authorities for assistance
- Stay in your car, don’t overexert, put bright markers on your vehicle, and if you need to run your car, do so just enough to stay warm.
- Watch for any signs of frostbite, including numbness, tingling, or stinging in your fingers, toes, nose, or ears.
- Watch for any signs of hypothermia, including shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, or disorientation.
- Watch for any signs of trench foot, including redness, cramps, numbness, blisters, or swelling in the feet or legs.
Shoveling Snow
Shoveling snow can be a strenuous activity, especially in cold temperatures, because of the stress it already puts on the body. The first thing to do is to stretch and warm up before you start shoveling. To avoid back or other injuries while shoveling, it’s essential to keep your back straight, lift with your legs, don’t turn or twist the body, and scoop up small amounts of snow at a time.
It’s also important to watch out for symptoms of a heart attack while shoveling as it’s considered a peak exercise on a stress test, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Any chest pain, breathing trouble, or pain that radiates down the arm or into the neck are signs to tell you to stop working and seek medical attention.
Dressing properly for this outdoor activity is also important for avoiding injuries due to exposure. OSHA recommends wearing at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing. Tight clothing can reduce blood circulation, affecting your legs, arms, feet, and hands. Not only is clothing important, “It’s also important to stay hydrated. If you’re sweating, you’re still at risk of dehydration. Also, wear not only warm clothes but footwear with the right treads to prevent slipping, and take frequent breaks to rest and warm up as needed.”
Using Powered Equipment for Snow Removal
“Understanding the operating manual from the manufacturer should be the first step before even using the snow removal equipment. Many of them have augers, which can easily become clogged by snow and sticks. If you don’t know how to unclog it, you could risk amputating fingers or even hands.”
Along with educating yourself on how to remove debris safely, the manual will give you instructions on how to maintain your snow removal equipment. Inspections of belts, shear pins, skid shoes, scraper blades, tires, and gas lines are recommended. If you’re not comfortable with doing the inspections yourself, taking your snowblower to a local power equipment store for testing before the winter weather is recommended.
OSHA also warns that before you begin using your powered snow removal equipment, it’s important to make sure that it’s properly grounded. Grounding the equipment first will help protect you from electric shocks and electrocutions. It’s also important to make sure the equipment is properly guarded and disconnected from power sources before performing maintenance or cleaning.
“Remember that if other people are outside with you not to aim the chute at anyone. You never know what the machine may pick up, and you don’t want anyone around you to get hit with a rock, stick, or chunk of ice.”
Working at Height
While many household roofs are pitched so that removing snow from a roof would be unnecessary, dealing with snow on a roof can still come up during the winter months. OSHA recommends that whenever possible, finding methods to remove snow from a roof without being on it is always best practice to avoid hazards.
If you do need to remove snow from a roof:
- Use ladders to apply de-icing materials
- Use snow rakes or drag lines from the ground
- Clear out ice from gutters beforehand
Aside from clearing snow from a roof, there are times when you may find yourself on a ladder in the cold months, for example, hanging winter holiday decorations. In those cases, it’s important to follow proper OSHA guidelines.
Ladder Safety Tips
- Use a ladder that is capable of supporting your weight.
- Be sure the rungs and steps of the ladder are parallel and uniformly spaced.
- The ladder has a locking device to hold the back and front sections open.
- Ladders should only be used for the purpose they were designed.
- Only use a ladder on a stable and level surface.
- Don’t carry objects or heavy loads while climbing a ladder.
- Be sure to face the ladder as you ascend or descend.
Slips and Falls
Clearing common area walking surfaces of snow and ice as quickly as possible should be a priority after a winter storm. It’s also important to wear footwear that is insulated, water resistant, and has good rubber treads.
In addition to selecting the appropriate footwear, walking with the proper technique holds equal significance. “Walking like a penguin, taking short steps and at a slower pace, helps with reaction time if a change in traction happens suddenly. Being sure to avoid holding a lot of stuff in your hands will help you maintain balance, also.”
Removing Downed Trees
Winter storms often bring more than snow with them. Sometimes they bring high winds and ice rain which can lead to downed trees in your area. Downed trees can cause downed power lines or potentially block public roads.
While emergency crews will handle many instances of downed trees, there may be situations where you are left responsible for clearing downed trees in your yard after a severe winter storm. You must be knowledgeable about all of the power equipment you plan to use. This includes using the correct chain saw size for the trunk and wearing the right protective gear before starting.
“Gloves, foot, eye, head, and hearing protection are all important. It’s also crucial to think about ergonomics. For example, operating a chainsaw brings into the equation all types of hazards for which the operator manual would spell out. Position yourself on the correct side can make the job easier while always cutting away from yourself, never towards yourself, reduces your risk of injury.”
Power Outages
While the work to repair downed or damaged power lines will be handled by professionals, there are still risks associated with power outages in the home that you should prepare for. Preparing your home with kits that include candles or flashlights with working batteries and blankets is always the best practice.
“If you’re lighting candles or fireplaces, be sure you understand how to disconnect the power or get rid of it and never leave them unattended.”
If you do encounter a downed or fallen electric power line, it’s important you stay away from it, don’t drive over it, and call 911. “You need to understand electricity can spread outward through the ground in a circular shape from the point of contact. As you move away from the center, large differences in voltages can be created. Never drive over downed power lines
Lead Us Safely to the Warmth of Our Destinations
While the scenes of winter may look serene, we should all have a deep-seated respect for the elements. From navigating icy roads, frosty air during outdoor activities, understanding the distinctive challenges that winter weather brings is crucial to staying safe. By adopting winter safety tips, we can go on a journey where cautious steps carve paths through snow-laden terrain that leads us safely to the warmth of our destinations.
