Although he may be an "Old Man," Winter is far from frail. In fact, he's mean and he's sneaky. He's apt to strike a deadly blow when you least expect it. Your workers need to be prepared for the effects of Winter's blow and taught how to look after their safety, both on and off the job. Here's a quick review of the risks and how to minimize them.

How to Avoid Hypothermia or Frostbite

One of the Old Man Winter's deadliest hazards is the risk of cold-related illnesses like frostbite and hypothermia. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, stumbling, drowsiness and exhaustion. Frostbite symptoms are a loss of feeling and a waxy-white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, nose or ear lobes.

In addition to making your workforce aware of the signs and symptoms of these illnesses, suggest precautions like the following:

• Select proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions;
• Take frequent short breaks in warm, dry shelters;
• Perform work during the warmest part of the day;
• Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because you need energy to keep warm;
• Never work alone. Always have a buddy nearby;.
• Drink warm, sweet beverages. Stay away from caffeine and alcohol; and
• Eat warm, high-calorie foods such as hot pasta.

If you suspect a co-worker is experiencing hypothermia or frostbite, warm the victim slowly with blankets or your own body heat. Put the person in dry clothing. Avoid giving the person coffee or tea.

How to Walk Safely on Snow or Ice

Snow and icy conditions make Winter peak season for slips, trips and falls. Offer your workers the following advice:

• Wear insulated boots with good rubber treads;
• Take short steps and walk more slowly so you can react quickly if you slip or fall;
• Keep both hands free for balance, rather than in your pockets;
• If you must walk on the street, walk against the traffic and as close to the curb as possible; and
• Wear bright clothing or reflective gear at night.

Other Winter Hazards

In addition to the obvious hazards, winter weather and conditions involve some more subtle dangers. You need to warn your workers and give them instructions about how to safeguard themselves, their co-workers and their families against the risk of the following hazards:

• Carbon monoxide poisoning especially from heaters;
• Electrocution from powered lines that fall as a result of wind or snow and ice buildup;
• Falls from heights which can happen when shoveling snow off roofs;
• Roof collapse under heavy snow;
• Dehydration; and
• Back injuries or heart attack while shoveling snow.

Conclusion

Old Man Winter is not to be trifled with. Like other senior citizens, he deserves our full respect. And it's not just good manners. He's armed and dangerous. It's up to you to ensure that your workforce knows the danger so they can survive the weeks ahead.

MEMBER REPLY

Non-Smoking Week

We went smoke free on Dec. 1, 2006 to coincide with the new Smoke-free Places Act, Nova Scotia Bill #225, not only our building to comply with government regulations but also on our property.

In order to help with this transition we did a couple of things: the company paid for smoking cessation aids for a three month period and I brought in outside help. Addiction Services Nova Scotia came in free of charge for a six week program aptly named Coping with Quitting.

We started the program on Nov.20th and had 25% of our smoking population sign up. 80% of those that participated have quit and are still not smoking, others in the company have also quit, and collectively 60% of the smoking population has quit smoking.

I quit Nov. 30th and have definitely had positive results in my life already. I am a volunteer firefighter and now have about 4 minutes more air from my SCBA in a working fire, lung capacity has increased and I just feel better.

Name withheld by request

MEMBER REPLY
Sharing Translated Articles

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On December 19, 2006, you asked for sharing of translated SafetyXChange articles. I have not translated any SafetyXChange articles, but attached are two Spanish safety guides on gas and electric safety translated into Spanish. These are used for training purposes, and for sharing with employees, contractors, and the community of southeast Wisconsin.

Connie Munoz
Claims Administrator
Legal Services/Claims - P418

Editor's Note: Thank you, Connie. SafetyXChange is all about sharing resources. If you have any materials that you've had translated (into any language) that you'd like to share with your fellow safety professionals, please send them to catherinej@bongarde.com.

PRODUCT RECALL

Fan Wiring Poses Fire Hazard

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The US Consumer Product Safety Commission and The Holmes Group have announced a voluntary recall of 300,000 Holmes HT30 Oscillating Tower Fans due to a fire hazard.

The company has received 16 reports of property damage caused by electrical arcing within the fan's wiring. Fortunately, there has been only one injury report of minor burns and smoke inhalation.

If you have one of these units (model number found on silver label), you should stop using the tower fan immediately and contact The Holmes Group at 800-524-9204 or visit their website at www.holmesfanrecall.com.

The original recall can be found here.

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