Winter is coming.... Is your workforce ready?
Is your workforce prepared for the winter season? We prioritize the health and safety of all workers, especially during harsh Canadian winters but how much can we really prepare for the cold? Understanding the impact of cold weather on the body and how to properly dress for the elements can prevent serious health risks.
At Open Source Safety, we offer comprehensive advice and guidance on how to combat the elements and dress for the weather. Our team will help your organization understand exposure limits set by OHS legislation in Alberta and other jurisdictions and how to properly prepare vehicles for winter driving. Don't let the cold cause harm to your workers - contact us to ensure your organization is prepared for the winter season.
Knowing from experience, I have worked for 20 years in the harsh northern winter conditions including in the Arctic and Alaska (USA). Being ready, willing and able to work productively and safely is of utmost importance.
Cold deemed deadlier than heat when it comes to weather deaths.
Researchers say nearly 4.5 per cent of deaths in Canada over study period were due to cold.
Cold temperatures kill about 20 times as many people worldwide as hot temperatures do, say Canadian and international researchers who challenge conventional wisdom that extreme weather events cause the most deaths. In a study published in the medical journal The Lancet, researchers analyzed data on 74 million deaths across countries with climates ranging from cold to subtropical between 1985 and 2012. Overall, about 90 per cent of the deaths attributed to cold occurred on mildly cold days. Extreme temperatures accounted for less than one per cent.
How can we prepare? Tips for Employers and Employees.
As winter approaches, the challenges of working in extreme cold weather become a reality for many individuals, particularly in regions like Canada and other cold weather areas around the world. The harsh conditions associated with winter can pose significant risks to both employers and employees, making preparedness essential. In this article, we will explore the importance of winter preparedness, provide statistics from cold weather regions, and offer valuable tips for employers and employees, focusing on winter driving and dressing appropriately for extreme cold weather.
Before delving into winter preparedness tips, it's crucial to understand the severity of cold weather conditions in certain regions, such as Canada:
Cold-Related Injuries: In Canada, cold-related injuries are alarmingly common during the winter months. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), between 2007 and 2016, there were 150 workplace fatalities due to exposure to the cold.
Road Accidents: Statistics Canada reports that road accidents drastically increase during the winter season, with slippery roads and reduced visibility being contributing factors. In 2019, there were over 148,000 police-reported road accidents in Canada during the winter months.
Winter Preparedness Tips for Employers and Employees
For Employers:
1. Training and Education: Ensure that employees receive proper training and education on the risks associated with working in extreme cold weather. Familiarize them with cold stress, frostbite, and hypothermia symptoms.
2. Appropriate Gear: Provide employees with high-quality cold-weather gear, including insulated clothing, thermal boots, gloves, and hats. Encourage layering to retain warmth.
3. Heated Break Areas: Create heated break areas where employees can warm up, especially for those working outdoors. This reduces the risk of cold-related illnesses.
4. Adjust Schedules: Consider adjusting work schedules to minimize exposure to extreme cold weather conditions. If possible, allow for shorter shifts or flexible hours.
5. Winter Driving Safety: If employees are required to drive in winter conditions, ensure they receive training in winter driving techniques and equip vehicles with winter tires.
For Employees:
1. Dress Appropriately: Wear layers of clothing to trap heat close to your body. Use moisture-wicking base layers, insulating middle layers, and waterproof, windproof outer layers. Don't forget thermal socks and insulated, waterproof boots.
2. Protect Extremities: Pay special attention to your extremities. Cold hands and feet are common in extreme cold. Wear insulated gloves, mittens, and thermal socks to keep them warm.
3. Stay Dry: Moisture can significantly increase the risk of cold-related injuries. Use waterproof clothing and ensure you stay dry throughout your workday.
4. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and stay informed about changing conditions. This will help you plan your day and make necessary adjustments.
5. Take Breaks: Schedule regular breaks to warm up in heated areas. Recognize the early signs of cold stress, such as shivering or numbness, and address them promptly.
6. Winter Driving Safety: When driving in extreme cold and snowy conditions, slow down, maintain a safe following distance, and have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, food, and water.
Conclusion
Working in extreme cold weather poses unique challenges, but with the right preparation and awareness, both employers and employees can mitigate the risks associated with winter conditions. By adhering to these winter preparedness tips, individuals in cold weather regions, like Canada, and elsewhere can ensure their safety and well-being during the winter season. Remember, staying informed, dressing appropriately, and prioritizing safety are essential to a successful winter work experience.
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