***PSI Monthly Safety Message*** |
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Winter weather presents a variety of hazards that can result in employee illnesses, injuries, or fatalities, and OSHA rules require employers to address such hazards in the workplace. Here are just a few of the potential winter-weather hazards to consider in your recycling operations:
■ Cold Stress: Employees who work outside or in unheated warehouses during winter can suffer from cold stress, which can result in cold-related illnesses and injuries, including trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. Employers should train workers how to identify the symptoms of cold stress, how to prevent it, and what to do to help other workers who are affected. Employees also should know how to select proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions. Employers also can consider providing engineering controls such as radiant heaters, where possible; offering warm beverages to employees working in cold environments; scheduling work during the warmest part of the day; and having employees work in pairs.
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■ Shoveling Snow: Shoveling snow is a strenuous activity that can cause exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries, or heart attacks. In addition to following tips for avoiding cold stress (see above), employees should warm up before shoveling, scoop small amounts of snow at a time, and—whenever possible—push the snow instead of lifting it. Also, to avoid back and other injuries, employees should shovel using proper lifting techniques by keeping the back straight, lifting with the legs, and refraining from turning or twisting the body while lifting.
■ Slips, Trips, and Falls: To prevent such injuries, employers should clear snow and ice from walking surfaces and spread de-icer as quickly as possible after a winter storm. If employees must walk or work on snow or ice, they should (1) wear footwear that has good traction and insulation (such as insulated and water-resistant boots or rubber overshoes with good rubber tread) and (2) take short steps and walk at a slower pace to react quickly to changes in traction.
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■ Winter Driving: To minimize the hazards of driving on icy/snowy roads, employers can train drivers in how to prepare for the trip, protect themselves, and prevent crashes on the road. (See OSHA’s Safe Winter Driving page for specific tips.) Employers also should implement an effective maintenance program for all vehicles and mechanized equipment that workers are required to operate. And each vehicle should have an emergency kit in the event of an accident or breakdown during inclement weather.
Click HERE to access OSHA’s Winter Weather safety resource information.
Winter graphic courtesy of OSHA. Shoveling photo by Bru-nO and truck photo by imagesbykim, both from Pixabay.
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Paper Stock Industries
A National Chapter of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries
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