Vehicle and Equipment Safety for Colder Seasons

Posted on 11/20 by Erin Helms

We’re so close to needing to put away all of our summer gear in exchange for the boots, gloves, hats and heavy coats required for working in the cold and snow of winter. Whether winter for you means temperatures dropping below 40 degrees or facing the potential of blizzards and ice storms, it’s important to keep safety top of mind as the seasons change — especially when heavy equipment is involved, or if you might need to drive on icy roads. Here are a few important safety tips to keep in mind for the cold months ahead.

Have the right gear.

If you work out in the elements or spend a lot of time in any kind of cold environment, like a hard-to-heat warehouse, make sure you have the right clothes and protective gear to keep your body temperature up. This includes wearing at least three layers of loose-fitting clothes, as layering provides better insulation. The first layer should be wool or something synthetic to keep sweat off your skin; the second layer also should be wool or synthetic fiber for more protection and insulation, and the outer layer should be weather-resistant, including water repellant, while also allowing ventilation so you don’t overheat. It’s a delicate balance! You want to be comfortable and able to move; tight clothing reduces blood circulation and can mess with your core temperature. You’ll also need a knit mask to cover your face and mouth if you’re working outside in strong, bitterly cold winds, in addition to a hat that covers your ears and insulated gloves to keep your fingers safe from frostbite. If you spend a lot of time outside, you’ll also want insulated boots to protect your toes.

Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter.

If your job requires driving for any distance, or if you’re operating heavy equipment on a construction site or otherwise might get caught in a storm, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is winterized and stocked up with emergency supplies just in case. Some of this is just good vehicle maintenance: Make sure your brakes are working properly and that your brake fluid is at the correct level; ensure your cooling system is filled with antifreeze (or an antifreeze/water mixture); check the ignition system on a regular basis to make sure it’s working properly and that your battery is fully charged and has clean connections; inspect the alternator belt for correct tension and run a check on all engine systems; run a test on your exhaust to make sure any leaks are addressed and all connections are snug. Traction is so important on slippery roads, so be sure to inspect tires for sufficient tread and inflation. Don’t forget to check your oil and change it regularly and to walk around the vehicle to make sure all exterior lights are working well in addition to having good windshield wipers. Any vehicles that are used during the winter should also have an emergency kit. If your job involves emergency vehicles, it’s important to keep these items on hand -- maybe not for your crew, but for anyone who might need your help out on the road.

Know the warning signs of cold stress.

Heat exhaustion is easy to understand and recognize, but when working outside or in cold conditions, it’s important to know you can be at risk of hypothermia, dehydration, cold stress and other dangerous health conditions. Cold stress is evidenced by reddening skin, tingling or pain in your feet or fingers, swelling, leg cramps, numbness and blisters. If you’re not feeling quite right, take a break and get some warm liquids -- coffee and tea both work great and will hydrate you as much as water while providing important warmth to your core. Take a break when you can and move into a warm environment.

Be safety smart inside.

The hazards don’t stop when you’re inside. Winter building maintenance is important -- think of all the snow and mud that might be tracked inside from those insulated boots. There are an estimated 20,000 occupational injuries in the workplace during the colder months, according to OSHA, blamed on ice, sleet and snow, not to mention the risk of carbon monoxide buildup. Before the bad weather hits, make sure your building is inspected and prepared for storms.

Have an emergency communications system.

All companies, of any kind, should have a communication strategy in place for bad weather. How will closures be announced? How will teams know if they need to come in early, or if extra hands are needed for a shift? Make sure teams know how information will be transmitted -- email, text, phone call, etc. -- and that everyone is aware before the flakes start to fall.

There are plenty of other tips available on OSHA’s website to cover all kinds of work environments, but the bottom line is: Prepare, prepare, prepare! If you’re looking for additional advice, call LaborMax. We’re ready to help your team feel comfortable and confident during the colder months. We have offices around the country and know what winter means to you; we’re standing by and ready to help when you need us!

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