As the winter season approaches, it is time to refresh our memories about the season’s hazards. While the hazards during winter are of a wide variety, the key to staying safe is to be prepared.
Every year, people are seriously injured or killed due to winter weather hazards. Cold weather and winter storms can create serious threats to human health from cold stress to frostbite to hypothermia. On a ten-year average, the National Weather Service reports that 38 people die each year due to cold related conditions and another 30 people die due to winter storms.
In addition, winter weather poses significant risks when traveling on streets and highways. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, “over 1,300 people are killed and 116,000 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy or icy pavement annually.”
The following are online resources to help you, your co-workers, friends and family learn about winter hazards and how to be best prepared to deal with them effectively:
National Weather Service (NWS)
The NWS offers a webpage explaining different types of winter hazards and provides tips on staying safe. They also have resources on cold weather hazards and provide a Winter Preparedness Checklist.
This federal website offers extensive information on preparing for and dealing with winter weather.
The OSHA website is a valuable resource for learning about winter-related hazards. Their Winter Weather page provides guidance on how to “Plan, Equip, Train.”
Known for its focus on medical services and disaster response, the ARC also prioritizes public education and training. Their Winter Storm Safety page is another excellent resource, and they offer a Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC provides safety guidelines for handling winter storms.
Prepping Snow Removal Equipment – Focus on Safety
The time is near when cities and counties will be dealing with snow removal from streets and roads. As the planning starts for these activities, it is important to inspect plow vehicles and associated equipment to ensure that everything will work when needed.
In addition to normal equipment inspections and maintenance, there is a need to focus on the safety elements of the equipment. These items also need to be considered prior to each work shift:
- Confirm that all safety guards and interlocks for sand/salt augers and spreaders are in place and functional to prevent worker injuries.
- Confirm that hydraulic systems work as they should after attaching plows and wing blades. Inspect hoses and fittings for leaks.
- Inspect tires on a regular basis. It is better to identify an issue before you have a tire issue on the street or road.
- If using tire chains, check the chains before and after each shift. A loose chain can cause damage.
- Ensure that all of the lights, turn signals and flashers/strobes are working. For quick-mount plows, ensure that plow-mounted lights also function properly each time the plow is connected.
- Periodically check rear-facing lights and remove accumulations of snow/ice that obscure visibility.
- Inspect cab mounting steps/ladders to ensure that they are not damaged.
- Inspect wiper arms and wiper blades to ensure they function properly.
- Keep windows and mirrors clean to maintain visibility. Keep glass cleaner and deicer in the vehicle.
- For vehicles equipped with two-way radios, conduct a radio check at the beginning of each shift to ensure proper communication capabilities. Inspect antennas and mounts.
Slip-Resistant Footwear Grants Available
It may feel like snow and ice are a long way away, but it will be here before you know it. To help prevent slip and fall claims, IMWCA has Safety Study Implementation grants available to assist members with purchases of approved slip-resistant footwear.
If you are interested in submitting a grant request please go to Safety Study Grant for more details and for the grant application form. If you have any questions please contact Dean Schade or call 515-657-2899.
Submit your application soon before the snow starts to fly.
