TIPS & TRICKS
No . 020
Working in Cold Weather
By Jeff Winke
Cold weather can be dangerous to work in . I know that what someone considers cold can differ where they live . Cold in Grand Forks , North Dakota or Fairbanks , Alaska is different than Key West , Florida . I live in a state where some avid NFL fans think that if their bare chests are painted forest green and cheese gold that they are immune to sub-zero temperatures . For most “ normal people ,” there is a respect for being in cold air temperatures and the accompanying even colder wind-chill temperatures . The risks are too great .
Construction contractors are mindful of weather extremes and usually don ’ t work during those stretches or limit the amount of time spent out in the elements . Sometimes a project needs to be furthered or completed in cold weather , which we ’ ll define as being air temperatures that are colder than 40 degrees F .
Skilven Publications , which offers resources to support safe practices and healthy living , offers these five tips for working in cold weather , which I ’ ve modified .
1 . Beware of Slips and Falls – Slippery ice patches can loom where least expected . Hands out of pockets for balance , walk slowly and flat-footed with weight distributed over your feet . Be one with your inner penguin .
2 . Wear Proper Clothing – Wear multiple layers to stay warm and dry , as well as waterproof shoes or boots with slip-resistant treads . It ’ s better to remove your insulated gloves and unzip a goose-down jacket when you are warm , then to regret not having them when you are not .
3 . When Driving , Drive Defensively – It ’ s not a race , so don ’ t drive to win … drive to stay out of accidents . In wintery weather , there is always the hot dog and the absentee driver – watch for them and stay out of their ways and decide if you want to be nice and call 9-1-1 when you see them later crashed off the side of the road .
4 . Drink Plenty of Liquids – Water and sport drinks are best . Each time you see your breath in the cold you ’ re watching water leave your body . Hot drinks will
keep you warm , but chug good old-fashioned water every chance you can .
5 . Optimize and Conserve Your Energy – The colder it is outside the more energy you burn to stay warm . Add wind and rain or snow , and the body uses more energy and loses heat faster . Take breaks in warm , dry locations to restore yourself for the next exposure to the cold . Establish the summer-camp-buddy system for working outside . That way you can monitor each other for signs of fatigue , frostbite , and hypothermia .
Winter can be wonderful for recreation , sports , or just an invigorating walk outside . Nothing is better than making snow angels , building snowmen , or writing your name with yellow ink .
Unfortunately , we can ’ t always live in a magical snow globe , so when working outside we need to prepare for hazards that we don ’ t normally think twice about . Working in cold weather requires extra thought , preparation , and awareness to prevent illness and injury . www . callape . com [ 22 ] 1.800.210.5923