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Published on Feb 8
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Freezing winter temperatures bring with them many cold weather safety hazards for your employees, visitors, and customers. In addition to the standard slip and fall injuries, business owners also need to be concerned with cold weather health risks and damage to your business. A little advanced planning can help you prepare for even the worst winter storms and weather. Use our cold weather safety checklist to help keep your employees and place of business safe during the winter months.
Stay connected
Make sure that employees working outdoors have a fully charged cell phone or walkie talkie with a backup battery to call for help in case of an emergency. Winter temperatures can drop quickly and often without warning so it’s essential that they be able to call for help in case they’re caught unprepared in falling temperatures.
Watch for danger
Trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia can all result from prolonged exposure to freezing or cold temperatures. Watch for the danger signs like uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, fatigue, confused behavior, and clumsy movements. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a co-worker, call for emergency help right away.
Keep walkways cleared
In freezing temperatures, walkways and parking lots can quickly become covered in layers of ice and snow. Keep rock salt and ice melt products on hand to keep walkways free of slipping hazards. Deeper snowfall may demand shovels and snow blowers to clear away. Slip-resistant tape on outdoor steps can also help with traction and prevent falls.
Indoors use floor mats to absorb moisture from shoes and boots to prevent floors from becoming slippery in winter. Use caution signs to warn visitors and employees of wet areas and perform frequent clean-up of these areas.
Have a backup plan
Winter storms frequently lead to power outages that can leave your employees in the cold and your business at risk. Generators can keep essential systems running even if you lose power. Talk to your utility company and a qualified electrician to determine the right size and type of generator for your facility. Your building code authority can provide additional information to make sure that your generator meets all regulatory codes.
Safety and Sheakley
Keeping your workforce safe is priority one for your company. Sheakley can help you develop better policies and provide assistance with training programs to help you achieve your safety goals. Register today for safety trainings offered by your partners at Sheakley to help keep your staff aware of the latest standards and protocols. Our experts are here to keep your employees and your business safe. Sheakley’s Workforce Management Services experts provide complete safety resources for your company.
Get your free safety consultation today with an expert from Sheakley. Stay up-to-date on all things Sheakley by subscribing to our blog and following us on social media. How does your company promote cold weather safety? Join in the discussion by commenting below.
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