The cold temperatures and icy conditions that are often a part of Canadian winters can cause hazards at the workplace. These hazards include:
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Winter Driving—Driving accidents increase at a chilling pace in winter. Seasonal weather (snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain) poses a significant challenge to safety on the road. Reduced visibility and more time driving in the dark also contributes to the risk of a facing a collision.
- Cold Stress—Exposure to the cold can lead to frostbite and hypothermia.
- Slips and falls—Ice, snow, slush, wet surfaces, and mud (during a thaw) can cause slips and falls. Even at home, you can be at a risk of slips, trips and falls, when hanging seasonal decor like Christmas lights. 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.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), employers, owners, constructors, and supervisors are legally required to protect the health and safety of workers, which includes protecting them from winter hazards.
Please take a moment and re-establish a commitment to ensure workers are protected against winter hazards. We suggest you deliver a safety talk as a reminder to workplace parties of the hazards, and more importantly, re-establish safe work practices and procedures.
Additionally, we encourage you to visit IHSA's Winter Hazards topic page to access many FREE resources regarding this topic.
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