3rd Edition • Fall/Winter 2016 • Safety Committee

Don’t get left out in the cold.When the weather turns colder, there are plenty of potential hazards employees and employers need to be ready for. Especially when the first major snowfall arrives, it seems as though people forget how to drive in snow and accidents occur. The key is to be prepared and ready when the cold and snow inevitably comes.

Winter DrivingEmployers should set and enforce driver safety policies. They should also implement an effective maintenance program for all vehicles and mechanized equipment that workers are required to operate. Also it is important that employees have their own vehicles inspected to ensure the following systems are working properly - Brakes, Cooling System, Electrical System, Engine, Exhaust, Tires, Oil and Visibility Systems

Stranded in a VehicleIf you are ever stranded, it is important that you REMAIN IN THE VEHICLE. Call for emergency assistance if needed, and realize that response times may be slow due to the weather conditions. Employees should notify their supervisor and display emergency lights to indicate a problem. Only turn on the vehicles engine for 10 minutes each hour to run the heat to keep warm. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping the exhaust pipe clear of snow and open a downwind window for ventilation. Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Clapping hands and moving arms/legs occasionally can help maintain blood circulation. Shoveling SnowShoveling snow can be especially dangerous as there is a potential for exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries or heart attacks. It’s important to take frequent breaks in a warm area and to scoop small amounts of snow or push the snow where possible. Using proper lifting technique is critical to avoid back and other injuries.

Using Powered Equipment (Snow Throwers/Generators)Snow-throwers commonly cause lacerations or amputations when operators attempt to clear jams with the equipment turned on. NEVER attempt to clear a jam by hand. First, turn off the snow-thrower and wait for all moving parts to stop, then using a long stick, clear the snow or debris. Generators should NEVER be used in an enclosed space such as a garage or any space too close to the home with limited ventilation due to carbon monoxide poisoning risk.

Preventing Slips on Snow and IceTo prevent slips, trips and falls, employers should clear walking surfaces of snow and ice and spread deicer as quickly as possible after a storm. In addition, the following precautions can reduce the likelihood of injuries - • Wear proper footwear such as boots with rubber treads • Take shorter steps and walk at a slower pace

When the power is down, it’s downright dangerous.

Assume all power lines are energized and stay clear of any downed or damaged power lines. Establish a safe distance from the power line and report to the authorities. Only a properly trained utility worker should handle the line.

Top 10 Cold Weather Safety Tips

Source: American Red Cross

SEEK Careers/Staffing1160 Opportunity DriveGrafton, WI 53024866.600.7335SEEKCAREERS.COM

Cold Weather Hazards/Precautions

Source: OSHA

#1 Layer Up - Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm.

#2 Don’t Forget Furry Friends - Bring pets indoors.

#3 Remember the 3 Feet Rule - When using a space heater, place it on a level

surface keeping anything flammable at least 3 feet away.

#4 Requires Supervision - Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace

embers are out before going to bed or leaving the room.

#5 Don’t Catch Fire - Be sure to use a glass or metal screen large enough to

catch sparks and rolling logs.

#6 Protect Your Pipes - Run water, even a trickle to keep pipes from freezing.

#7 Better Safe Than Sorry - Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day

and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid costly repairs.

#8 Kitchen is for Cooking - Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.

#9 Use Generators Outside - NEVER operate a generator inside the home

including a basement or garage.

#10 Knowledge Is Power - Don’t hook up a generator to the home’s wiring. The

safest thing to do is connect the equipment you want to power directly to the

outlets on the generator.