FOR SAFETY SAK E
EASY WINTER SAFETY TIPS FOR OUTDOOR WORKERS For those who work outdoors for a living, their jobs require them to spend long hours exposed to the elements. Employees in snow removal, construction, oil and gas, landscaping, the postal service, and the police force are all examples of workers that need to take winter safety into consideration during their everyday duties. Some of the most typical injuries during the winter months are caused by slips, trips, and falls. These can happen year-round, but slippery, icy conditions make them more likely to happen in the winter. Other common winter injuries include trench foot, frostbite, hypothermia, and wind burn. Luckily, there are several ways that employers and workers can prevent these injuries and make the work environment a safe place for everyone.
SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most frequently reported injuries, making up approximately 25 percent of workers’ compensation claims per year. In 2014 alone, there were 34,860 workplace slip-and-fall injuries involving ice, sleet, or snow that resulted in one or more days away from work to recover.
When it comes to falls during the winter, icy conditions are a big factor. One important way to prevent icy, wet conditions outdoors is to spread deicer right after a winter storm, whether at the workplace or home. Other precautions to minimize your risk of falling while working outdoors include: • Taking extra time to plan your steps. Take the route that provides the best footing when it’s snowy and icy. • Wearing the appropriate shoes. Boots with rough or heavy tread are good for walking in the snow. • Watching for black ice. After freezing rain or melting snow, black ice often forms on roadways and sidewalks. Familiarize yourself with black ice conditions and be prepared. • Walking cautiously once indoors. Entrances can become very slippery from people walking in with snowy shoes. continued on page 20
18 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association