Winter weather safety hazards: OSHA’s tips

 

Winter weather is approaching faster than you think — especially if recent snowfalls around the country are any indication. Are your workers prepared to deal with winter hazards?

OSHA has provided information for workers who will need to navigate through specific safety concerns this winter. Issues like winter driving and traffic safety, safe snow removal and working on power lines or fallen trees are just some of the topics OSHA covered. Here’s how you and your employees can get through winter weather challenges safely.

Winter driving and traffic safety

OSHA reminds employers that while they can’t control winter driving conditions, they can encourage workers to practice safe driving habits. Here are some tips:

• Be sure workers have been properly trained to operate vehicles and recognize dangers in winter weather conditions
• Employers should put regular maintenance programs in place to keep equipment in working order during cold weather
• Workers should carry an emergency kit in their vehicle, and
• When doing road construction, clearly mark work zones with signs, cones and barrels, and have workers wear high visibility vests at all times. Icy road conditions can cause drivers to lose control, so providing ample warning is key.

Safe snow removal

According to OSHA, snow removal can present a host of hazards if done incorrectly. Safe snow removal practices include the following:

• When shoveling snow, workers should be especially careful, as this task can be particularly strenuous, sometimes resulting in exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries and even heart attacks. When shoveling snow, workers should get loose before starting, scoop small amounts at a time and push snow instead of lifting when possible
• When shoveling, use proper lifting techniques, including keeping the back straight, lifting with their legs, and not twisting their bodies
• If workers need to use snow blowers or other equipment, they should make sure the equipment is grounded to prevent electrical shocks. When performing maintenance, workers should check to see that the equipment is guarded and disconnected from power sources before starting
• Workers should never attempt to remove a jam from a snow blower when it’s turned on. OSHA reminds workers that amputations from running snow blowers are common, and workers should always keep limbs away from moving parts. Use a stick to clear any blockages from the equipment
• Only refuel a snow blower when the engine is cool and turned off
• When working on roofs or from heights, special care must be taken to evaluate snow removal hazards and make sure workers proceed safely. If a surface is weighed down by snow, someone should inspect it to determine if it’s structurally safe to work on. Remember that snow can hide hazards like skylights and can make surfaces extra slippery, and
• Employers should always clear snow and ice off any walking areas as soon as possible. Employers and workers should make sure they wear proper footwear with good traction to prevent falls.

Power lines and other hazards

Working on or near damaged power lines or fallen trees in winter weather can be particularly dangerous. OSHA has some tips:

• Workers should be aware that working on power lines in the snow poses a unique hazard because the moisture can sometime make PPE less effective, which could result in electrocution
• Performing de-energized work in these conditions is much safer, but if a repair requires energized work, a qualified worker or supervisor should perform a hazard analysis before staring
• When working near damaged power lines, always assume they’re energized. Stay a safe distance away and report any incidents that might occur. Remember, only trained electrical workers can handle damaged power lines
• When dealing with downed trees, be aware of electrocution hazards from downed power lines, falls from heights and equipment injuries from chainsaws or clippers
• Always wear correct PPE when working with downed trees, including gloves, chaps, foot protection, eye protection, fall protection, hearing protection and head protection, and
• Workers should only use equipment that has been specifically designed for outdoor and wet conditions. Proper maintenance should ensure that all equipment is in good working order.

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