22 Dec Essential Winter Weather Safety Tips

Regardless of where you live, you are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in your life.

If you live in the Northeast or Midwest, unfortunately, you still have 2-3 months left of winter.  This means 2-3 months left of wearing multiple layers, seeing your breath, and freezing temperatures. 

But beyond the “inconvenience and discomfort” that comes with winter, a winter storm or other severe weather can be hazardous.  

It is important to think about winter preparedness on and off the job.

At Home Winter Preparedness

Protecting yourself and your home is vital.

At-home hazards can vary and include anything as simple as overexertion from shoveling snow to a more severe issue such as a frozen water pipe bursting and flooding your house. No matter the risk, you should prepare for the worst. 

Preparing for the worst can include preparing yourself, your home, and your car. 

Prepare Yourself 

Winter weather tips to help you get through a severe stretch of cold include:

• Stay indoors during a storm
• Be cautious on snowy, icy walkways
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow
• Stay dry

Prepare Your Home

Some tips to prepare your home for a winter storm include:

• Build an emergency kit
• Create a family emergency plan
• Clean out gutters
• Repair roof leaks
• Wrap water pipes with insulation sleeve

Prepare Your Car

Prepare your car for dangerous conditions and extremely cold temperatures – and know what to do if you find yourself stranded in a vehicle.

The following tips will help ensure your vehicle is safe during winter driving:

• Fill anti-freeze to the appropriate level
• Check your brakes, transmission, and tires
• Properly lubricate door locks that may be prone to freezing
• Stay on the main roads
• Clear all snow from the top of your car

Winter weather preparedness is just as important at home as it is at work.

At Work Winter Preparedness

Workers should be properly educated to recognize the hazards of winter weather.  

Workers may be exposed to other winter weather-related hazards when performing tasks such as driving in the snow, shoveling snow, and working newly downed or damaged power lines. 

Winter Driving 

Employers cannot control the roadway conditions, however, they can promote safe driving behavior. 

Employers should implement an effective maintenance program for all vehicles and equipment that workers are required to operate.

Employees should be properly trained to inspect the following vehicle systems before hitting the road:

• Brakes
• Cooling system
• Electrical system
• Engine
• Exhaust system
• Tires
• Oil
• Visibility systems 

Shoveling Snow

To prevent common workplace hazards, slips, trips, and falls, employees should clear walking surfaces of snow and ice as quickly as possible after a winter storm. 

Shoveling snow can be vigorous activity, “particularly because cold weather can be tasking on the body.”

Workers can be protected from winter hazards by warming up before the activity, taking frequent breaks in warm areas, and using the proper lifting technique. 

Flu Season Preparation

Ensuring staff is equipped to handle the winter weather includes flu season preparation. 

The CDC recommends these best practices when it comes to reducing exposure to winter-related illnesses for your associates:

• Promote flu shots for employees
• Encourage proper hand-washing and respiratory hygiene practices
• Educate workers on the symptoms of the flu
• Have a flu vaccination clinic at the place of business
• Off remote work

Conclusion

Winter weather is not a joke — whether winter brings snow, rain, or plummeting temperatures.

With proper preparation and effective communication, you can make these cold winter months more tolerable for you and your employees.

For more winter weather tips, read our latest blog on Winter Driving: Weather the Road.

You can never be over-prepared.

Winter Driving: Weather the Road