Safety Focused: Winter Worker Safety Tips and Preparedness for Winter Storms

Winter Worker Safety Tips

Winter weather can create various hazards that include slippery surfaces and roads, strong winds and frigid temperatures. These conditions can promote an increase in workplace accidents that include hypothermia, frostbite and falls. However, many of those injuries can be prevented with the right preparation and presence of mind.

Prevention techniques are most effective when everyone in the organization makes safety a priority. The following measures can help keep you safe at work during the winter months:

  • Keep walkways, stairways and other work areas clear of hazards, such as water on floors and snow on sidewalks. For hazardous areas that can’t be addressed immediately, mark them with temporary signs or barricades to warn others.
  • Exercise caution when working outdoors. Wear footwear with heavy treads for increased traction, and make yourself visible to drivers by wearing a bright vest or jacket.
  • Recognize the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. When working outside, it’s important to keep moving and perform moderate exercises to help you stay warm and maintain good blood circulation.
  • Ensure you understand safety procedures related to winter driving if you are required to operate a vehicle as part of your regular duties. Above all, practise defensive driving techniques and inspect your vehicle before getting on the road.

Together, these tips can help you stay safe at work during the winter months. If you have questions or need additional information, contact your supervisor.

Emergency Preparedness for Winter Storms

Winter weather and storms pose unique risks that can have severe repercussions without proper preparedness. To stay safe and productive through the winter season, it’s important to be prepared for severe winter weather.

The Hazards of Winter Weather

Winter weather hazards include the following:

  • Iced surfaces and reduced traction
  • Obstacles obscured by accumulating snow
  • Falling snow and ice
  • Extreme cold temperatures
  • Reduced visibility

While weather forecasts can be helpful, they are not always accurate, making winter hazards nearly impossible to predict. Additionally, depending on the severity of the conditions, these hazards may last anywhere from hours to days, making preparation even more important.

Tips to Prepare for a Winter Emergency

Although you can’t reliably predict winter emergencies, you can prepare for them with these tips:

  • Keep a radio tuned to the weather for regular updates, and adjust plans accordingly.
  • Take immediate precautions if a winter storm or blizzard warning is issued.
  • Consider becoming trained in first aid to compensate for any potential delays of emergency services due to poor weather.
  • Keep a first-aid kit, a flashlight, batteries, food, blankets, snow removal equipment and a radio in your work vehicle.
  • Research the risks and obstacles that are unique to your area in advance, and plan accordingly.
  • If using a generator, keep the area ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Practise emergency evacuation plans for winter storms.