The onset of winter presents unique hazards for those who work outdoors.  Here are a few points to consider when conducting hazard assessments and preparing safe work procedures for outdoor workers.

Cold Stress

Cold air can dry the skin and cause loss of body fluids.  Some health conditions, such as arthritis, rheumatism, and Raynaud’s (white finger) worsen and are more painful.  More severe cold can cause frostbite, the freezing of body tissue.  Loss of body heat can progress to hypothermia, a reduction of the body’s core temperature, which can be life threatening.

Windy conditions make cold weather more dangerous.  For example, air at temperature -18°C and wind speed 24 km/hr (which can raise a sheet of newspaper) has a wind chill equivalent of -38°C; exposed skin can freeze within one minute.  Warm clothes that cover the head, body and extremities are essential in these conditions. Dress in layers and choose clothing that will protect from the wind, cold, and wet weather (when necessary).  Lost body fluids should be replenished with warm liquids or plain water, but not with alcohol or caffeine. 

If work can’t be postponed until the weather is warmer, warm-up breaks should be scheduled as part of the job.  Guidelines outlining when warm-up breaks should be taken have been published by Saskatchewan Labour².  For example: During a 4-hour period, workers in dry clothing, engaged in moderate to heavy physical activity, and working at minus 26C with a wind speed of 16 km/hr should not work for more than 75 minutes at a time and should take two 10-minute warm-up breaks.

Wet working conditions can also have detrimental effects.  Trench foot or immersion foot can develop if workers have wet feet continuously immersed in near-freezing water. 

Ice

Working on or near icy ground presents frequent slip/ fall hazards.  Where slippery conditions can’t be fully eliminated by removing snow and ice, improve traction with sand or gravel and use warning signs.  Choose footwear that can provide added traction.

Traveling, standing and working on frozen water bodies presents serious hazards.  Ice thickness and integrity should be checked regularly.  Alberta Workplace Health & Safety has published useful guidelines regarding ice strength and precautions when traveling on lakes and rivers³.

Winter Driving

Operating vehicles in winter requires more attention.  Consider these winter driving tips:

• Consult a weather service for travel conditions before setting out.
• Prepare your vehicle before road trips.  Check fluid levels and tire pressure.  Remove snow and ice from your windshield, windows, and lights.
• Drive with extra care.  Keep distractions to a minimum.  AMA, the Alberta Motor Association, offers the following advice: “Leave yourself a bigger buffer between you and the vehicle in front of you.  For dry conditions your following distance should be three to four seconds, in slippery conditions you need eight.” ⁴
• AMA also recommends:  “Pack a winter survival kit and a cell phone.  Your kit should include extra warm clothing including gloves and a hat, a blanket, flash light and batteries, booster cables, waterproof matches, an emergency candle, snow shovel, ice scraper, traction aids (like kitty litter), non-perishable food items, water, a rope and flares.” ⁴
• Reflective or other high-visibility clothing will help you be seen when outside your vehicle.

As with any other job tasks, a thorough hazard assessment should be carried out prior to the start of outdoor work.  Identifying winter work hazards and following up with safe work practices will enhance your safety program and protect outdoor workers.

Useful References:

1.     Cold Weather Workers Safety Guide, 2^nd Edition, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, 1999, 106 pages.

2.     “Cold Conditions Guidelines for Outside Workers”, Saskatchewan Labour, January 2000.

3.     “Travelling, Standing and Working on Ice Requires Extreme Caution”, Work Safe Alberta Publication SH010, Alberta Human Resources & Employment, October 2003.

4.     “Get a Grip on Winter”, News Release from Alberta Motor Association, November 29, 2005.

5.     “Working in the Cold”, Work Safe Alberta Publication MG021, Alberta Human Resources & Employment, April 2004.

6.     “Winter Safety: Start Preparing Now” – Available on the Guzzardi & Associates website.

This article is provided as introductory information only.  Cited references, and other literature, should be consulted for complete details.    Copyright 2007 Escalade Services Group Inc.