In many parts of North America, winter means snow, ice, storms and blizzards. From a workplace safety standpoint, some of the hazards associated with working in winter weather include:
# Driving accidents due to slippery roadways,
# Carbon monoxide poisoning,
# Slips and falls due to slippery walkways,
# Hypothermia and frostbite due to the cold weather exposure,
# Being struck by falling objects such as icicles, tree limbs, and utility poles,
# Electrocution due to downed power lines or downed objects in contact with power lines,
# Falls from heights (e.g. falls from roof or skylights while removing snow),
# Roof collapse under weight of snow (or melting snow if drains are clogged),
# Burns from fires caused by energized line contact or equipment failure,
# Exhaustion from working extended shifts,
# Dehydration,
# Back injuries or heart attack while removing snow,
# Fire exits blocked by snow and ice
Here's a
link to over 100 of our favorite FREE winter weather safety resources. They include posters, brochures, checklists, bulletins, tool box talks, Power Points, and videos.
http://bit.ly/xuNClw
