Work Safety In Cold Weather
How to stay warm in cold weather while working outside. New England has certainly set some records this week with its current deep freeze. After a brief warm-up on Wednesday, the high will only by 5 degrees Saturday. Anyone working out in the cold, mail delivery, plowing, construction etc. must have a plan to stay warm in this weather. Frostbite and hypothermia are no laughing matter. There are some simple ways to ensure safety on the cold on the job.
Below is a list of ways to stay warm in cold weather while working outside.
Work Safety In Cold Weather
Wear at least 3 layers of clothing.
An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic to keep moisture away from the body.
A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet.
An outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating.
Wear waterproof footwear
Wet feet can lead to frostbitten toes.
Wear a warm hat or hood
Heat easily escapes from the head.
Wear gloves
Fingers can easily get frostbitten. An added bonus if the gloves are waterproof!
Cover face with a mask and goggles
The face is just as vulnerable to the cold.
Things employers should know about their employees working in extreme cold
Employers should know and be able to recognize the symptoms of hypothermia immediately.
Uncontrollable shivering, cold, bluish skin (especially the lips and fingers), slurred speech, uncoordinated movements, exhaustion, irritability, and irrational behavior are all warning signs of hypothermia.
Provide employees with warm non-alcoholic beverages.
Provide employees with extra sets of warm dry clothes to change into if they get wet.
Salt the work area to prevent slips and falls.
For more information, visit the CDC’s site on working in cold weather.
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