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    Feb-1-2010

    Workplace Safety and Cold – Brrrrr!

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    Photo by NIOSH

    Photo by NIOSH

    One workplace safety hazard I never considered until recently was the weather, specifically cold weather. I live in frick’n cold Wisconsin. A good friend (who lives in frick’n cold Minnesota) shared about his new job where he works outside installing satellite dishes. I asked if work was ever canceled because of the weather conditions – he said never. I found that concerning. Working on a slippery roof, below freezing weather, and installing stuff… sounds like a recipe for disaster.

    I asked around one of the safety groups I belong to and one of the NIOSH guys sent me a great link that discussed the dangers of cold weather:  http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/coldstress/

    If you read through the whole article there are recommendations for employers and workers. I am sorry to say that my friend’s employer does very little to protect the workers. Seems like it takes an injury or death for something to change.

    “Employers should take the following steps to protect workers from cold stress:

    • Schedule maintenance and repair jobs in cold areas for warmer months.
    • Schedule cold jobs for the warmer part of the day.
    • Reduce the physical demands of workers.
    • Use relief workers or assign extra workers for long, demanding jobs.
    • Provide warm liquids to workers.
    • Provide warm areas for use during break periods.
    • Monitor workers who are at risk of cold stress.

    Provide cold stress training that includes information about:

    Stay warm and stay safe.

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    3 comments
    1. Mike Maloney Said,

      Living and working in the Minneapolis area, cold exposure is a critical concern in the Winter months. Our policy was to issue “Felt Pack” boots, “waterproof” parkas with hoods, and warm (Thinsulate) golves. Security was able to monitor employees on the CCTV system and the employees were required to carry two-way radios. Having grown up in this climate, the employees were familiar with cold weather and we never had an exposure incident.

      The satellite installer you mention must not work for the company that installed my neighbor’s dish. He came out, took measurements and reviewed the installation then told my neighbor that it was too cold and too close to sunset to install the dish that day.

    2. Safety Frank Said,

      Thanks for taking the time to write Mike!
      Right now I am drinking a hot vanilla latte and glad I don’t have to work outside (I think I mentioned I live “next door” in Wisconsin.

      For taking the time to write a thoughtful and helpful response, I would like to send you a pair of our Harley Davidson Safety Glasses provided by Safety Glasses Inc. Appreciate your contributions.

      Stay Warm!

    3. Mike Maloney Said,

      Thanks Frank. The timing would be perfect. The snow’s almost gone and it’s time to get to work on all those chores that were “frozen” in time.

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