We are in the middle of winter, which spells danger for those who work outdoors. Cold temperatures, icy conditions, and snow-related accident risks most commonly impact construction workers, snow-removal workers, utility workers, drivers and other employees whose job duties require them to endure these winter conditions.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified several hazards workers face during the winter and ways you can protect yourself.

For employees who drive

If the scope of your employment requires you to be on the road, it is the responsibility of your employer to promote safe driving habits, including:

• Ensuring that employees are trained on how to navigate winter weather conditions.
• Ensuring that company vehicles come with functional brakes, adequate antifreeze and water levels in the cooling system, fully charged battery, functioning alternator, up-to-date engine systems, functioning exhaust system, well-maintained tires, adequate oil level, and up-to-date lights, defrosters, and wipers.
• Ensuring that drivers are equipped with emergency kits. OSHA suggests providing employees with a cellphone or two-way radio, ice scraper, snow brush, flashlight, shovel, tow chain, traction aid, emergency flares, jumper cables, snacks, water, maps, blankets, and a change of clothes.

Outdoor work zones

When roads, sidewalks, or work zones are compromised by snow or ice, workers are susceptible to devastating accidents. They can be struck by skidding vehicles or work equipment. In order to protect workers, employers should implement traffic control signs, cones, barrels, and barriers. Additionally, workers should be equipped with highly visible vests or jackets.

Snow-removal workers are often at risk of exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries, or heart attacks while shoveling. Employers should offer frequent breaks and allow workers to warm up in order to prevent cold stress, hypothermia, or frostbite.

When using powered snow blowers, it is crucial that all equipment is unplugged from power sources or offer protection to prevent electrocutions. Equipment should be powered off when workers clear jams, as moving parts can cause lacerations and even amputations.

When clearing snow from rooftops, employers should train workers on how to properly use ladders, aerial lifts, and to be cautious of falling snow and ice.

Slip and fall hazards

Any worker who steps outside during the winter during the scope of his or her employment is at risk of slipping and falling. These accidents can happen to construction workers who spend the vast amount of time outdoors, or retail workers whose job functions could require only occasional outdoor duties.

In order to prevent slip and falls, it’s up to employers to make sure that parking lots are plowed and all walking surfaces are free of snow and ice. Slip and falls are not just an outdoor risk. Snow, slush, or water tracked in from outdoors can create a slipping hazard, too.

Obtaining workers’ compensation

Regardless of what caused your work-related injury, it’s critical that you notify your employer and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your next step should be to file a workers’ compensation claim. This process isn’t easy. The paperwork can be confusing and if not done correctly, insurance companies may be likely to deny your claim.

Don’t go it alone. Speak to an experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney who can help you navigate the process and negotiate for a fair settlement. To learn more, contact us today.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 at 8:35 pm and is filed under workers' compensation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.