what can you do to a jobsite to prepare for winter weather

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# Driving - Winter (cont.) ## How should I drive in winter weather? (cont.) - Steer with smooth and precise movements. Changing lanes too quickly and jerky steering while braking or accelerating can cause skidding. - Be aware and slow down when approaching a bridge. Steel and concrete bridges are likely to be icy even when there is no ice on the ground surface, (because bridges over open air cool down faster than roads, which tend to be insulated somewhat by solid ground.) - Consider getting off the road before getting stranded if the weather is worsening. - Be patient and pass other cars only when it is safe. - Keep a safe distance back from snow plows, and trucks applying salt, sand or anti-icing agents. - Never pass a snow plow due to the whiteout conditions and ridge of snow created by the plow. ## What should I do if I start to skid? - Above all DO NOT PANIC! - Look where you want your vehicle to go and steer in this direction. - DO NOT BRAKE! Take your foot off the brake if the vehicle starts to skid while braking. - DO NOT ACCELERATE! ## Should I put the vehicle into neutral during a skid? Experts agree that during a skid, it is important to reduce the vehicle's forward motion to stop faster. Many resources that promote putting your vehicle in neutral describe the following technique: - Disconnect the driving force on the drive wheels by doing either of the following: - If you're using automatic transmission, shift to neutral. However, do not touch the transmission gear if you cannot do that immediately. - If you're using manual transmission, declutch. Others promote leaving the vehicle in gear but do not apply the gas during the skid. At the end of the skid, it may be necessary to accelerate gently, or you may need to avoid an obstacle. Using winter tires and driving at a reduced speed are more important factors that influence a vehicle's stopping distance. Driving - Winter CCOHS

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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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# Driving - Winter (cont.) ## How should I prepare for winter driving? (cont.) - Plan the arrival time at a destination by considering any delays due to slower traffic, reduced visibility, roadblocks, abandoned automobiles, collisions, etc. - Inform someone of the route and planned arrival time. - Choose warm and comfortable clothing. If there is a need to remove outdoor clothing later while driving, STOP the vehicle in a safe spot. - Warm up the vehicle BEFORE driving off. It reduces moisture condensing on the inside of the windows. If the windows are fogging on the inside, use the air conditioner (it is a dehumidifier as well). - NEVER warm up the vehicle in a closed garage. - Remove snow and ice from the vehicle. It helps to see and, equally important, to be seen. - Wear sunglasses on bright, sunny days. - Bring a cell phone, but do not leave it in the vehicle as the battery will freeze. ## How should I drive in winter weather? - Buckle up before starting to drive. Keep the seat belt buckled at all times. - SLOW DOWN! - posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions. Driving at reduced speeds is the best precautionary measure against any misfortune while driving on slippery roads. "Black ice" is invisible. - Be alert. Black ice will make a road look like shiny new asphalt. The pavement should look grey-white in winter. - Do not use cruise control. Winter driving requires the driver to be in full control at all times. - Reduce speed while approaching intersections covered with ice or snow. - Allow for extra travelling time or delay a trip if the weather is inclement. - Drive with low-beam headlights on. Not only are they brighter than daytime running lights but turning them on also activates the tail lights. This lighting makes the vehicle more visible. - Lengthen the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Stopping distance on an icy road is double that of stopping on a dry one. For example, from around 45 metres (140 ft…

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# Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold (cont.) ## Snow accumulation, ice, high winds, and melting snow (cont.) Poor driving - conditions due to lack of visibility, and snow-covered or icy roads - Increased risk of slips, trips and falls as a result of snow-covered walkways or icy surfaces - Increased risk of flooding due to melting snow - Injuries and incidents from falling snow and ice off outdoor elevated areas (e.g., roofs) - Increased risks associated with high winds - Power failures and equipment malfunctions For more information on preparing for extreme winter weather, please see our OSH Answers document on Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Preparing for Climate Related Emergencies. ## Mental Health Cold temperatures may cause elevated levels of stress. For example, outdoor workers may experience stress when they need to change their schedules and hours due to the weather, which can impact their work-life balance. Many workplaces may experience disruptions and delays with operations, which can also impact workload and cause worker stress. ## Operational Impacts Equipment and materials, especially those items used outside, can be impacted by colder temperatures. Cold temperatures can cause equipment components to not function properly, to work harder, and possibly wear out faster. For example, the controls may be frozen and not allow for the safe operation of the equipment. In cold weather, batteries do not operate as efficiently, which can also lead to not being able to start or maintain the power of the equipment. Extreme cold, heavy snowfall, high winds, and ice can also delay and disrupt operations. ## How can a workplace plan for extreme cold? The onset of extreme weather can occur very quickly in the winter, and workplaces need to be prepared. Control measures for working in the cold must be implemented to protect workers during variable Canadian winter weather. First, identify all the potential hazards associated with extreme cold …

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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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# 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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# Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold (cont.) ## How can a workplace plan for extreme cold? (cont.) It is important to note that emergency service providers, including paramedics and firefighters, may need more time to respond due to the weather and the increased demand for their services in the community. If a worker requires immediate medical attention (e.g., due to hypothermia, a slip, trip, or fall, or a motor vehicle collision), emergency services may be delayed or unable to respond in time. This competing demand for services further emphasizes the importance for workplaces to have preventative measures in place. Additional circumstances that can increase the risk of an injury, illness, or incident during extreme cold events include: - working outdoors - working in poorly heated areas - performing physically demanding work in cold temperatures - not having access to a heated sheltered area to rest and take breaks - driving vehicles or other equipment outdoors Extreme cold can put everyone at risk, although health risks are greater for: - people with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties or heart conditions - people that are pregnant - young children and older adults ## What control measures can the employer put in place? Prepare for extreme cold and winter weather by developing and implementing a cold stress plan and an emergency response plan. The most effective strategies to protect workers are to implement measures that eliminate or minimize a worker's exposure to extreme cold and winter weather. The hierarchy of controls can be used to select the most appropriate control measures. The hierarchy of controls is a step-by-step approach to eliminating or reducing the risk of workplace hazards. The hierarchy of controls prioritizes controls from the most effective level of protection to the least effective level of protection: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipm…