It is time to consider winter safety at work and at home.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created a web page to help protect workers from hazards they may face working in winter storms. 

http://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/winter_storm/index.html

Although it targets work safety, it is relevant to winter safety in our everyday lives. 

"According to the National Weather Service, about 70 percent of injuries during winter storms result from vehicle accidents, and about 25 percent of injuries result from being caught out in the storm. Learning about how to prepare for a winter storm and avoid hazards when one occurs will help keep you safe during the winter season."

Identified hazards include:

DRIVING ACCIDENTS DUE TO SLIPPERY ROADWAYS

  • Steer into a skid
  • Know what your brakes will do: stomp on antilock brakes, pump non-antilock brakes
  • Be alert that stopping distances are longer on watercovered ice and ice
  • As a pedestrian when crossing streets, be aware that approaching vehicles may not be able to stop at crosswalks or traffic signals.

    • http://www.kenneyconley.com/Personal-Injury-Overview/Accidents/Auto-Accidents.shtml

    CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

    If warming up or idling while stranded, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.

    HYPOTHERMIA AND FROSTBITE

    Recognize and respond to symptoms of hypothermia (uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion), and frostbite (loss of feeling and a waxy-white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, nose, or ear lobes). If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance.

    EXHAUSTION, BACK INJURIES, HEART ATTACKS WHILE REMOVING SNOW

    Shoveling snow can be a strenuous activity, particularly because cold weather can be taxing on the body, and can create the potential for exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries, or heart attacks. Warm-up before the activity, scoop small amounts of snow at a time, push the snow instead of lifting where possible, and user proper form if lifting is necessary: keeping the back straight and lifting with the legs.

    SLIPS AND FALLS DUE TO SLIPPERY WALKWAYS

    Every business should clear walking surfaces of snow and ice and use salt or its equivalent.

    When encountering snow and ice, personal safety may include: wearing proper footwear and taking short steps and walking at a slower pace so you can react quickly to a change in traction. If snow or ice force you off a sidewalk into the street, try to walk against the traffic and as close to the curb as you can. Be on the lookout for vehicles which may have lost traction and are slipping towards you.

    ELECTROCUTION OR BURN DUE TO DOWNED POWER LINES OR DOWNED OBJECTS IN CONTACT WITH POWER LINES

    Assume all power lines are energized and stay well clear of any downed or damaged power lines. Establish a safe distance from the lines and report the incident to the responsible authority. Only properly-trained electrical utility workers should handle damaged power lines.

    FALLS FROM SNOW REMOVAL ON ROOFS OR WHILE WORKING IN AERIAL LIFTS OR ON LADDERS

    Following a winter storm, workers should employ standard protections when working at heights. Employers should provide and ensure the use of fall protection and provide and maintain ladders.

    http://www.kenneyconley.com/Personal-Injury-Overview/Workplace-Accidents/Ladders-Roofs-and-Scaffolds.shtml

    ROOF COLLAPSE UNDER WSEIGHT OF SNOW

    Be alert to and use caution around surfaces that have been weighed down by snow, as they may collapse.

    LACERATIONS AND AMPUTATIONS FROM IMPROPERLY ATTEMPTING TO CLEAR JAMS IN SNOWBLOWERS

    Snow blowers commonly cause lacerations or amputations when operators attempt to clear jams. Never attempt to clear a jam by hand. First, turn the machine off and wait five seconds, and then use a long stick to clear wet snow or debris from the machine. Keep your hands and feet away from moving parts.