construction winter

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# Winter Weather Hazards Q. How can cold stress be prevented when working in winter weather? A. Cold Stress occurs by driving down the skin temperature, and eventually the internal body temperature. Workers should have appropriate personal protective equipment and dress appropriately, including dressing in layers. Employers should schedule heavy work during the warmer part of the day and assign workers to tasks in pairs so that they can monitor each other for signs of cold stress. See OSHA's Cold Stress Guide for more information on preventing, recognizing, and treating signs of cold stress. ## Preventing Slips on Snow and Ice To prevent slips, trips, and falls, employers should clear snow and ice from walking surfaces, and spread deicer, as quickly as possible after a winter storm. When walking on snow or ice is unavoidable workers should be trained to: * - Wear footwear that has good traction and insulation (e.g. insulated and water resistant boots or rubber over-shoes with good rubber treads) ■ Take short steps and walk at a slower pace to react quickly to changes in traction ## Preventing Falls When Removing Snow from Rooftops and Other Elevated Surfaces OSHA's Hazard Alert, Snow Removal: Know the Hazards Pamplet, and winter weather webpages provide guidance to employers on how to prevent serious injuries and fatalities. Employers should consider options to avoid working on roofs or elevated heights, plan ahead for safe snow removal and must: ■ Provide required fall protection and training when working on the roof or elevated heights - Ensure ladders are used safely (e.g. clearing snow and ice from surfaces) ■ Use extreme caution when working near power lines ■ Prevent harmful exposure to cold temperatures and physical exertion

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Construction Cold Environments Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR [● Being in freezing or cold temperatures for a long time can result in health problems such as trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia (below-normal body temperature). Danger signs include uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, clumsiness, fatigue, and confusion. ## Ron's Story Ron works in construction at a local site during the winter. One day he left his gloves and hat at home. As the day went on, he became so cold that he began to shiver. Soon he was having trouble holding his tools and doing his work. Ron was suffering from hypothermia. - What caused this incident? - How could this have been prevented? *Have you ever had problems from working in the cold, or do you know someone who has? If so, what happened? ## Remember This • Wear clothes meant for cold, wet, and windy conditions. Dress in loose-fitting layers to adapt to changing temperatures. Wear a hat, socks, shoes, gloves, and outerwear that will keep you dry. • Work in pairs so that you and your coworker can spot danger signs in each other. • Drink plenty of warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports drinks), but avoid caffeine (in coffee, tea, sodas, or hot chocolate) and alcohol. • Take breaks often, in a heated area, to warm up. • Get medical help right away if you or another worker has symptoms of hypothermia: - Shivering - Fatigue - Loss of coordination - Confusion or disorientation • Know that you are at higher risk if you take certain medications, are in poor physical condition, or suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. ## How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent illnesses and injuries in cold environments? CD C National Insund Health NIOSH CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION CPWR [● THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

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# Winter hazards ## Explain dangers The cold temperatures and icy conditions that are often a part of Canadian winters can cause hazards at the workplace. These hazards include: Cold stress-Exposure to the cold can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Hypothermia-The body can no longer maintain its core temperature, causing persistent shivering, confusion, and poor coordination. Frostbite-Parts of the body are exposed to extremely cold temperatures or come into contact with cold objects, causing the tissues to freeze. Slips and falls-Ice, snow, slush, wet surfaces, and mud (during a thaw) can cause slips and falls. A slip on the ground can cost you weeks off work. A slip at height can cost you your life. Carbon monoxide (CO)-Fuel-fired heaters can release CO gas. CO is a clear, colourless gas that you can't smell or taste. It interferes with your body's ability to use oxygen. Even in small doses, it can kill you. ## Identify controls ## PREVENT COLD-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS • Wear several thin layers of clothing instead of one thick layer. • Wear synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene next to the skin because it wicks away sweat. • Wear gloves, as well as a hat or other head covering that can fit under a hard hat. - Wear one pair of thick socks or two pairs of thin socks. Be aware that tight-fitting footwear restricts blood flow. - If you get hot when you're working, open your jacket but keep your hat and gloves on. • To prevent contact frostbite, wear insulated gloves when surfaces (especially metallic ones) are colder than -7°C. - Use tools and machines with controls that are designed to be operated by gloved hands. - If your clothing gets wet, change it immediately and get treated for hypothermia. ## PREVENT SLIPS AND FALLS • Clean the ice and snow off the soles of your boots, off the rungs of ladders, and from access areas and work platforms. - Use sand, salt, or other de-icing material. (Ice often forms on the underside of platform materi…

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# TOGETHER WITH TOSHA newsletter (cont.) # Winter Workplace Safety: Preventing Slips on Snow and Ice As winter descends upon us, it brings with it the beauty of snow- covered landscapes. However, it also presents challenges, especially when it comes to ensuring the safety of our employees in the workplace. One of the most common hazards during this season is the increased risk of slips and falls on snow and ice. To create a safer work environment, it's crucial for all of us to be aware of the potential dangers and take proactive measures to prevent accidents. To prevent slips, trips, and falls, employers should clear walking surfaces of snow and ice and should spread deicer as quickly as possible after a winter storm. In addition, the following precautions will help reduce the likelihood of injuries: • Wear proper footwear when walking on snow or ice. A pair of insulated and water-resistant boots with good rubber treads is a must for walking during or after a winter storm. Keeping a pair of rubber over-shoes with good treads that fit over your street shoes is a good idea during the winter months. • Take short steps and walk at a slower pace so you can react quickly to a change in traction when walking on an icy or snow- covered walkway. . If your workplace has stairs or ramps, make sure they are equipped with sturdy handrails and grips. This provides additional support for employees navigating slippery surfaces. • Place non-slip mats in key areas where moisture is likely to be tracked inside. These mats can absorb water and provide traction, reducing the chances of slips. • • Conduct regular inspections of outdoor areas to identify and address potential hazards promptly. Prompt action can prevent accidents and ensure a safer working environment. • Encourage employees to communicate any unsafe conditions they come across. Establish a reporting system that allows for quick response to address any emerging issues related to snow and ice. Remember, safety …

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Kiprc KENTUCKY INJURY PREVENTION AND RESEARCH CENTER # HAZARD ALERT Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Surveillance-February 2023 WORKING IN WINTER WEATHER ## WINTER WEATHER- RELATED HAZARDS Slips and falls Hazardous road conditions Snow shoveling Powered equipment like snow blowers Working with or near downed or damaged power lines Removing downed trees Cold stress Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ## What is the hazard? Winter weather presents a number of hazards. From 2018-2021, 2,325 Kentucky workers experienced various types of winter-weather related injuries. Slips or falls were the most common, accounting for 95% of the winter weather-related occupational injuries, followed by motor vehicle collisions (2%), overexertion during snow/ice removal (2%), and other (1%).1 2,3,4 Recommendations for preventing winter weather-related injuries: • Employers should clear walkways of snow and ice, and spread deicer after a winter storm. Wearing proper footwear, such as insulated boots with rubber treads and taking short steps at a slow pace will help to prevent slips and falls. • Ensure workers are trained for driving in winter weather conditions and licensed for the vehicles they operate. Implement a regular maintenance program for all vehicles. Keep well-stocked emergency kits in all vehicles. • Strenuous activities like shoveling snow can lead to dehydration, injuries, and heart attacks. Workers should warm up before starting snow removal. When possible, push snow instead of lifting it. Lift small amounts at a time and use proper lift techniques: keep the back straight, lift with the legs, and avoid twisting the body. - Add fuel before starting a snow blower-never while the engine is running. Keep your hands away from moving parts of the machine and never try to clear a jam by hand. To clear a jam, stop the engine and wait 5 seconds. Then use a solid object to clear debris. • Extra caution should be taken when repairing/replacing damaged power lin…

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# Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold (cont.) ## Elimination (cont.) - Do not allow driving or travelling during extreme winter events - Have workers perform their work in a heat-controlled environment - Reschedule work performed outdoors when temperatures are milder ## Engineering Controls - Improve heating in work areas* - Provide heated shelters for rest and breaks* - Using tools and equipment that are designed so they can be safely operated while wearing gloves or other winter clothing - Maintain work vehicles and have snow tires and functioning heaters *Do not use unvented portable gas heaters in indoor settings as it can lead to harmful levels of carbon monoxide and other harmful combustion products and is a fire hazard. ## Administrative controls - Use weather surveillance procedures to identify upcoming cold events and to detect the sudden onset of cold events - Have emergency plans and procedures in place to respond to extreme cold events - Train workers on: - how to identify health effects of cold stress in themselves and others, how to respond, and first-aid procedures - what to do in the event of an emergency caused by extreme cold and winter weather - the pace of work to avoid overheating (sweating) and then cooling - appropriate use of winter weather clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for working in the cold ## Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Provide workers with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing for working in the cold. Take into account the temperature, weather conditions (e.g., snow, ice, wind speed, wind chill), the level and duration of the activity being performed, and the job design. Also, make sure workers are equipped with emergency supplies and equipment, especially if they are offsite or are travelling. Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold CCOHS

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# What personal protective equipment (PPE) can be used for working in the cold? (cont.) ## Footwear (cont.) You may prefer to wear one pair of thick, bulky socks or two pairs - one inner sock of silk, nylon, or thin wool and a slightly larger, thick outer sock. Liner socks made from polypropylene will help keep feet dry and warmer by wicking sweat away from the skin. However, as the outer sock becomes more damp, its insulation properties decrease. If work conditions permit, have extra socks available so you can dry your feet and change socks during the day. If two pairs of socks are worn, the outer sock should be a larger size so that the inner sock is not compressed. Always wear the right thickness of socks for your boots. If they are too thick, the boots will be "tight," and the socks will lose much of their insulating properties are compressed inside the boot. The foot would also be "squeezed" which would slow the blood flow to the feet and increase the risk of cold injuries. If the socks are too thin, the boots will fit loosely and may lead to blisters. ## Face and Eye Protection Where face protection is used, eye protection must be separated from the nose and mouth to prevent exhaled moisture from fogging and frosting eye shields or glasses. Select protective eyewear that is appropriate for the work you are doing, and for protection against ultraviolet light from the sun, glare from the snow, blowing snow or ice crystals, and high winds at cold temperatures. ## What are some additional prevention tips? To prevent excessive sweating while working, remove clothing in the following order: - remove mittens or gloves (unless you need protection from snow or ice), - remove headgear and scarf. - open the jacket at the waist and wrists, and - remove outer layers of clothing. As you cool down, follow the reverse order of the above steps. Balanced meals and adequate liquid intake are essential to maintaining body heat and preventing dehydration. Eat appropri…