Winter Can Be Deadly: Prevent Cold Stress With These Tips
January 29, 2021
Earlier this month, you may have seen UAG Council Member Mike Bedell’s post on Winter Safety Tips. We’re revisiting this topic today because safety should be an everyday topic amongst green industry pros. With each season, managers must think about the different safety tactics they can employ to keep themselves and their employees safe. Today, we're talking about ways to prevent cold stress.
As we are stark in the cold season, for those who have crews outside working this winter means employees can be exposed to cold stress. Cold stress is when the body’s skin temperature and internal temperature are driven down. When the body temperature is so low, dangerous cold-related illnesses may occur including hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot. As an employer, it’s your job to train workers on the harmful environmental conditions that can lead to cold stress and how to prevent cold stress.
Prevent Cold Stress
When you or your crews are outdoors braving the winter weather, here are some tips you can share with them to prevent cold stress:
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Layer clothing. Select appropriate clothing for the conditions (wet, windy etc). Layer clothing and adjust as the environmental conditions change.
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Train your employees about cold stress. Being informed will help your employees take cold stress seriously.
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Take frequent breaks. It’s important to give your employees the opportunity to take indoor breaks, this will allow their body to warm up.
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Drink hot beverages.Provide your employees with plenty of hot beverages. Ensure you avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
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Never work alone. Always allow your employees to work in pairs if possible.