All employees working in a cold temperature environment are at risk of experiencing symptoms related to cold stress. Aldridge employees are trained on our comprehensive cold stress prevention policy every year. Use these tips and best practices to educate yourself and make safe decisions when it comes to navigating winter weather.
What is cold stress?
Cold stress and its effects can vary across different areas of the country.
In regions that are not used to winter weather, near-freezing temperatures are considered factors for "cold stress."
Increased wind speed causes heat to leave the body more rapidly (wind chill effect).
Wetness or dampness, even from body sweat, also causes heat loss from the body.
Cold stress occurs by driving down the skin temperature, and eventually the internal body temperature.
When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses or injuries may occur; permanent tissue damage and/or death may result.
Aldridge manages and maintains a Cold Stress Prevention Program to provide employees with information on how to recognize and manage hazards, recognize signs and symptoms of cold stress, provide care for cold stress victims, and how to create a site-specific cold stress prevention plan to help reduce or eliminate potential risk.
Dressing for Winter Weather
Suitable clothing must be worn in winter weather to protect from cold stress; which can lead to hypothermia and/or frostbite.
Wearing the right clothes for the job can protect you from these winter hazards.
Dress in layers of lightweight clothing that keep you warmer than a single layer of heavy clothes.
Remove layers as necessary to prevent overheating and perspiration which can lead to chills or hypothermia.
Wear gloves and a warm hat or a helmet liner under your hard hat.
40% of a person’s body heat can be lost through their head.
Don’t overdress because this can restrict your movements and increase the chances of an accident.
Look at the soles of your winter footwear. Your boots should have adequate tread to prevent slips and falls on wet or icy surfaces.
Be sure to properly protect your feet. Unless you are moving around, your feet will feel the effects of the cold first.
Safety Tips for Working on Snow and Ice
Winter weather conditions can result in hazardous conditions on roadways and at worksites, employees must know how to respond when winter weather hazards are present.
First: SURVEY THE ROAD CONDITIONS
If the conditions are too icy to safely operate a vehicle or piece of equipment, you can:
Plow the road
Salt the road
Sand the road
Install cleats or apply tire chains to the equipment prior to operating on the road
or AVOID driving on the road
Second: SURVEY THE WORKSITE
If the worksite is covered with snow and/or ice, the following guidelines can help avoid slips, trips, and falls:
Wear boots or overshoes with grip soles such as rubber or neoprene composite.
Slick leather or plastic soles on shoes will definitely increase the risk of slipping.
Depending on the ground conditions, ice cleats or other traction aids may be utilized to decrease the risk of slipping.
Do NOT wear ice cleats or traction aids indoors!
When getting out of your vehicle, look down at the surface.
If it’s coated with ice you might want to park in a different place.
Use special care when entering or exiting vehicles.
Use the vehicle for support.
Before standing, brace yourself with the vehicle door and seat back, this will give you some stability.
Step - Don't jump from vehicles and equipment.
Don't walk with your hands in your pockets.
This reduces the ability to use your arms for balance if you do slip.
Take short shuffling steps in very icy areas.
Don't carry or swing heavy loads; this may cause you to lose your balance when you are walking.
When walking, walk as flat-footed as possible.
Test potentially slick areas by tapping your foot on them before walking.
Check the condition of steps, walkways, etc. on equipment and tanks.
Use three points of contact for access and egress.
Winter Driving Safety
“Winterize” your vehicle prior to the first snowfall: bring it to a certified mechanic and get an all-around tune-up, bad hoses, belts, water pumps, and even spark plugs can leave you on the side of the road.
Check your tire tread, brakes, battery, cooling system, fluid levels, and other critical systems every two weeks - regardless of the weather.
Don't try to out-drive the conditions: posted speed limits are for clear, dry conditions.
Remember to slow down and increase your following distance.
If you hit black ice or find yourself in a skid, calmly ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go.
Consider adding roadside assistance to your insurance policy. In many cases, it is relatively inexpensive.
Heavier vehicle - longer stopping distance. Avoid cutting quickly in front of semi-trucks or larger vehicles.
Stay prepared: stock your vehicle with emergency items
Recommendations for a Winter Emergency Vehicle Kit
Shovel
Windshield scraper
Flashlight with batteries
Water
Snack foods including energy bars
Matches and a small candle
Extra hats, socks, and mittens
First aid kit
Pocket knife
Blankets or sleeping bag
Tow chain or rope
Road salt, sand, or cat litter for traction
Battery booster cables
Emergency flares and/or reflectors
Whistle to attract attention
Cell phone charging adapter to plug into the lighter
