Winter Storms and Employee Safety

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by
Within the next few months we will be
faced with the threat of severe winter storms hitting the New York area. We at
Lovell Safety Management Co., LLC saw an increase in the number of employee
injuries due to last year’s severe winter weather. Now is the perfect time to
spend a few minutes with your employees discussing their safety during these
storms. Winter storms create a variety of hazards and can have lingering impacts
on everyday tasks and work activities.
Learning about how to
prepare for a winter storm and avoid hazards when they occur will help keep you
safe during the winter season.
Frostbite
and Hypothermia
Frostbite is a severe
reaction to cold exposure that causes freezing in the deep layers of skin and
tissue. Frostbite can cause permanent damage. It is recognizable by a loss of
feeling and a waxy-white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, nose, or ear
lobes.
Hypothermia occurs when
the body temperature drops to less than 95°F. Symptoms of hypothermia include
uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling,
drowsiness, and exhaustion.
To avoid frostbite and
hypothermia, take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids (avoiding ones
with caffeine or alcohol).
Dressing Properly for the Cold
Wear at least three
layers of loose fitting clothing. Layering provides better insulation.
o  
An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic material to keep
moisture away from the body.
o  
A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when
wet.
o  
An outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some
ventilation to prevent overheating.
Use a knit mask to
cover your face and mouth. A hat that covers your ears will help keep your
whole body warmer. Also, insulated and water proof boots gloves.
Walking safely on snow and ice
Whenever possible, clear
walking surfaces of snow and ice and use salt or its equivalent. In addition,
the following precautions will help reduce the likelihood of any injuries:

  • A pair of well-insulated boots with good rubber treads is a must for walking during or after a winter storm.
  • Take short steps and walk at a slower pace so you can react quickly to a change in traction.
  • Be on the lookout for vehicles that may have lost traction and are slipping toward you. Be aware that approaching vehicles may not be able to stop at crosswalks or traffic signals.
  • At night, wear bright clothing or reflective gear, as dark clothing will make it difficult for motorists to see you.



Shoveling
Snow
Shoveling snow can be a strenuous
activity and can create the potential for exhaustion, dehydration, back
injuries, or heart attacks. Wearing the proper footwear, adequate layers of
clothing, and sunglasses (during the day) is a must.
Workers should warm up,
scoop small amounts of snow at a time, push the snow instead of lifting where
possible, and use the proper form if lifting is necessary. Use power blowers
whenever possible.
Stranded
in a vehicle during a winter storm
Stay in the vehicle. You
may become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow. Display a trouble
sign by hanging a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raising the hood.
Turn on the vehicle’s
engine for about 10 minutes each hour and run the heat to keep warm. Beware of
carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind
window slightly for ventilation.
Watch for signs of
frostbite and hypothermia. Do minor exercises to keep up circulation. Use newspapers,
maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation until help arrives.



Work Zone Traffic Safety
Workers being struck by vehicles or
mobile equipment lead to many work zone fatalities or injuries annually.
Drivers may skid, or lose control of their vehicles more easily when driving on
snow and/or ice covered roads. It is therefore, important to properly set up
work zones with the traffic controls identified by signs, cones, barrels, and
barriers, to protect workers. Workers exposed to vehicular traffic should wear
the appropriate high visibility vest at all times, so that they can be visible
to motorists
Removal
of Downed Trees
Clearing downed trees is a
critical job during a winter storm. When winter storms occur, downed trees can
block public roads and damage power lines. Emergency crews are often sent out
to clear downed trees during a winter storm. Potential hazards include:

  •       Electrocution
    by contacting downed energized lines or contacting broken tree limbs in contact
    with fallen lines.
  •       Falls
    from trees.
  •       Being
    struck or crushed by falling tree limbs or ice.
  •       Being
    injured by equipment such as chain saws and chippers.

Proper protective
equipment should be worn by workers using chainsaws and chippers. Only
appropriate power equipment that is built to be used outdoors and in wet conditions
should be used. It is important that all equipment is well-maintained and functioning
correctly in order for use. In addition, all equipment should have proper
guarding, working controls, and other safety features as installed by the
manufacturer.



Clearing Snow from Roofs and
Working at Heights
There have been16
fatalities in the past 10 years due to employees clearing snow from roofs. Following
a winter storm, workers should employ standard protections when working at
heights and should also be aware of the potential for unexpected hazards due to
the weather. Employers should provide and ensure the use of fall protection and
provide and maintain ladders. In addition, workers should use caution around
surfaces that have been weighed down by snow, as they may collapse.
Company owners, supervisors and employees all play a key role in
preventing employee injuries. Owners are responsible for providing a safe and
healthy workplace, the needed tools, protective equipment and training. Supervisors
must be empowered to discipline employees for at risk behavior and employees
must do their job safely.
We all need to take responsibility for safety and the prevention of work
site injuries. Safety, especially during winter storms, must be an integral
part of the way we work. That is the only way to create a truly safe and
healthy workplace.
For further information on
winter storm safety:

Holiday Safety Tips Curtesy of The National Safety Counsel

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Can You Believe it’s Almost Thanksgiving?
Another holiday season is upon us – travel, family dinners, parties and more food than you can possibly eat. It all kicks off with Thanksgiving, the “feast-iest” time of year. 
Thanksgiving also can be a dangerous time of year. While we don’t recommend dwelling on the hazards of Thanksgiving, National Safety Council encourages families to always be mindful of risks. Nothing can permanently mar this joyous time of year faster than the injury – or death – of a loved one. 
Over the River and Through the Woods

During Thanksgiving, most people choose to travel by automobile, the deadliest form of transportation, according to Injury Facts 2015. In 2013, 360 people died on U.S. roads during Thanksgiving weekend, more than were killed during the New Year’s and Memorial Day holidays. 
What can you do to stay safe on the roads? 
If You Can’t Stand the Heat …
Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home structure fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. And, if you deep-fry your turkey, the risk is much greater.
  
A turkey fryer should never be used indoors. But even when used outdoors, mishaps can cause serious injury. In fact, NFPA “discourages the use of outdoor, gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse turkey in hot oil,” due to the risk of “devastating burns” and destruction of property. Learn more about the risks here.
 
General rules apply year-round when it comes to fire prevention. NSC offers advice on smoke alarm installation, and the Consumer Products Safety Commission offers the following advice for cooks: 
  • Avoid loose-fitting clothing that can catch fire near a stovetop
  • Turn pan handles toward the back of the stove to prevent children from spilling hot pots
  • Keep a pan lid handy to smolder flames
  • Never pour water or flour on a kitchen fire; that can make it worse
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby
  • Never leave hot pots unattended 
  • Leave the house and call 911 immediately if a fire gets out of hand
Just a Flesh Wound?
There are so many sharp, hot and slippery hazards in the kitchen, it’s no wonder things can go wrong. Lacerations and other injuries can become a problem for a stressed out chef in a hurry to get the Thanksgiving feast on the table. Consumer Reports recommends you: 
  • Keep knives sharpened and use a cutting board that doesn’t slide; a damp towel underneath will hold it in place
  • Don’t put glass cookware on a burner or under a broiler; it can shatter
  • Don’t leave your blender or food processor on too long to avoid overheating
  • Don’t boil water in the microwave; it can “violently erupt” and cause scalding
Food Poisoning

Thawing and preparing a 20-pound bird can be challenging in more ways than one. To avoid serving bacteria or parasites to your guests, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following: 
  • Thaw your turkey at a safe temperature; bacteria can multiply rapidly at temperatures above 40 degrees
  • To safely thaw a turkey, leave it in the refrigerator for several days, submerge it in cold water or use the microwave
  • Utensils, your hands and work surfaces can become contaminated when they come in contact with raw poultry; clean these areas thoroughly before they touch other food
  • Cook stuffing outside the turkey in a casserole dish
  • If you must stuff the bird, do it right before cooking and make sure it reaches 165 degrees before serving
Choking
Choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional injury deaths. While it is a hazard for all ages, choking deaths are more prevalent in the elderly and in children. NSC has information on everything from signs of choking, to statistics, to Heimlich Maneuver techniques. It doesn’t hurt to be prepared. 
Alcohol Facts
With Thanksgiving kicking off more than two months of seasonal festivities, we would be remiss without mentioning some specific risks related to alcohol. You’ll find this information in Injury Facts 2015, and in our featured webinar this month, Alcohol and Injury: Use Employer Interventions to Promote Safety and Protect Your Business.
  • More than 10,000 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes in 2013
  • The cost of alcohol-related crashes that year is estimated at nearly $50 billion
  • 2,155 people died of alcohol poisoning in 2011 – mostly males
  • Alcohol is involved in 33% of suicides, 57% of sexual assaults and 28% of domestic violence cases
  • Drinking-related injuries cause more than 40,000 deaths per year
  • In the workplace, costs of alcohol abuse are substantial and include loss of productivity and safety risks
  • 9% of employed adults have diagnosable alcohol abuse, and fewer than 1% are identified and treated by their health plan
  • 50% of all trauma patients are intoxicated
  • In one-third of alcohol-related deaths, the victim is sober
  • Schools, businesses, churches and other organization should play an active role in identifying someone who may have an alcohol problem 
For more safety tips this holiday season visit The National Safety Counsel