As the temperatures continue to drop and the frost sets in, the realization that winter is here has become clearer. The question of safety signs, personal protective gear (PPE), and how they are intended to protect us should be at the forefront of our minds as we navigate through the winter months, especially for workers who work outdoors. Beyond mere markers, these signs become essential to guiding workers through frosty environments where safety takes precedence.
In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported exposure to environmental cold resulted in:
What is Cold Stress?
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, cold stress is a condition that occurs when the body can no longer maintain its normal temperature. When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries can occur, including permanent tissue damage and death. Here are four types of cold stress:
What Can Be Done to Protect Workers from the Cold?
Training on the signs of cold stress and other safe work practices are important steps to prevent cold-related illnesses. Here are seven tips from OSHA to protect worker safety:
1. Train employees on the symptoms of cold stressOutdoor workers exposed to cold and windy conditions below 32 degrees Fahrenheit are more susceptible to cold stress. Employers are required to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) by OSHA standards to protect workers' safety and health. OSHA suggests workers wear:
In limited cases specified in the standard (29 CFR 1910.132), there are exceptions to the requirement for employers to provide PPE to workers.
3. Develop a plan to identify potential hazards and the safety measures that will be used to protect workersAs we know, extreme weather conditions can be risky to work in and certain safety measures need to be followed to ensure all workers can work safely. People who work outdoors are exposed to all kinds of elements year-round, winter in particular has its own weather-specific hazards that they should receive training on in order to identify and prevent incidents from occurring. Slippery roads and surfaces, windy conditions, and downed power lines are common hazards, and placing safety signs in these areas will help prevent future injury are some examples of these hazards.
4. Scheduling maintenance and repair jobs for warmer monthsBy limiting the amount of exposure to cold elements, it reduces the risk of cold stress.
5. Provide warm areas and liquids for use during break periodsIt is important to stay hydrated, even in cold weather conditions. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your body nourished. Here is a list of some other drinks that can not only help keep you warm while you’re in the field:
Symptoms to watch out for are shivering, redness, itching, blistering, leg cramps, tingling, and swelling as these are signs of frostbite, chilblains, hypothermia, and trench foot.
7. Acclimatize workers to cold climatesOn average, it takes the body 2-3 weeks to adapt to inclement weather conditions. Similar to warm environments, it is important to gradually increase the amount of time workers spend in these conditions so they can adjust safely. Allow frequent breaks in warm areas to build up a tolerance for working in a cold environment.
Visual Safety Communication Resources from DuraLabel
Cold stress can affect all of us, so it is important to be aware of the signs and what to do should an incident arise that requires medical attention or intervention. Training employees on what to do in an emergency is crucial in the prevention of cold stress injuries.
Visual communication also plays a role in the safety of employees. Knowing where common hazards occur in your facilities or in the field can help your team navigate their workspace safely and more efficiently. Floor marking and other visual cues can remind your team of where these hazards are so they can take extra precautions in those areas.
Duralabel’s free OSHA Safety Signs Instant Action Guide helps you create OSHA/ANSI compliant safety signs. The free guide helps readers understand the appropriate regulations and standards and improve safety and efficiency. Request your free OSHA Safety Signs Instant Action Guide.
Learn more about how floor marking can create safe pathways for your workers. Download a free copy of the floor marking instant action guide. Give us a call today at 1-888-326-9244 and one of our experts will guide you through the process.
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Work Safe and Smart in Cold and Windy Temps
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