Winter is here and the cold weather is in full swing. Understanding how to stay safe during the winter months at the workplace is important. We are going to go over some of the specific tips to help keep you safe during the winter months.
Give Yourself Enough Time to Drive to Work
There is a good chance that there is going to be snow or ice on the roads during the winter time. This means that you should give yourself more time to drive to work. If you have a long commute in the morning, you should obviously add more time on to your drive. Planning for a longer commute to work will help to ensure that you drive at a safe speed so that you do not get into an accident on your way to work.
Avoiding Slipping on the Snow/Ice While Working
You have to be careful outside in the winter at all times. Even just simply walking can be dangerous if you don’t take certain precautions. There are certain steps that you can take to help prevent injuries from slipping.
-Clear off stairs and sidewalks by shoveling or using salt.
-Wear shoes or boots with non-slip or non-skid soles.
-Make sure ladders and other work materials are free of ice before usage.
-Use gloves while walking, not your pockets. Keeping your hands out of your pockets can help lessen your injury when falling because you will have a better chance of catching your fall.
Understand the Symptoms of Hypothermia and Frostbite
Hypothermia and frostbite are both symptoms that are caused by colder weather. If you start to notice any of these symptoms on yourself or a co-worker, get them or yourself out of the cold immediately and you may need to seek medical attention.
Hypothermia Symptoms
-Severe shivering
-Slurred speech or mumbling
-Drowsiness and confusion
-Slow or shallow breathing
-Loss of consciousness
Frostbite Symptoms
-Skin becomes very cold, hard, and pale
-Blister or swelling of the skin
-Joint and/or muscle stiffness
The best form of prevention would be to simply always make sure to dress for the cold. Wear your warm jacket, gloves, hat, and other warm clothing to ensure your safety in the cold weather.
Keeping track of the weather during the winter time is one other helpful tip to keep in mind. You could see potentially dangerous weather ahead of time. Even if you are someone who likes the snow and doesn’t mind the colder weather, be sure to follow these helpful tips to stay safe during the winter season!