Here are my tips to assist your company in preparing for the winter months

Space heaters in the office areas:
Space heaters must be new or in good condition and, as with all portable heating devices, they should be turned off when the employee leaves for the day. Paper and anything else that can burn should be kept at least three feet away from any heating equipment. Inspect the heaters for problems like loose connections and cracked, frayed, or broken plugs. Extension cords should never be used with a space heater, which includes “power strips.”

Cold Weather Injuries:
“Frostbite is currently the most common cold induced encountered during the winter months. Isolated episodes are usually associated with an episode of carelessness or sudden weather change. Fortunately, most frostbite injuries occurring during activities are of low degree or severity, and do not usually result in permanent tissue damage.”1

Remember that cold weather injuries are preventable. Most freezing injuries will be recognized and initially managed by fellow workers. The business owner must assure that employees working outside are well trained in the recognition and management of these injuries. Frostbite injury results when tissue is cooled sufficiently to freeze. Tissues with large surface like ears or with restricted circulation like hands and feet are particularly susceptible to freezing. However, any tissue exposed to severe cold can freeze.

Employers responsibly to prevent cold weather injuries and illnesses:
• Provide regular rest breaks, out of the cold weather.
• Set steady work pace, so workers do not sweat.
• Provide warm fluids and water to workers.

Employees can prevent cold weather injuries by dressing appropriately.
• Wear several protective layers to trap body heat.
• Wear a hat; “30% of body heat is lost through the head if it is not covered”.2
• Wear mittens.
• Wear clean clothing.
• Use the buddy system.
• Drink plenty of warm fluids.
• Eat nutritious foods.

Vehicle Batteries must be maintained during winter months:
Safety warning: Batteries can be hazardous! Batteries produce hydrogen gas which is explosive. Keep all sparks and flame away from batteries. Additionally, batteries contain sulfuric acid, which can cause severe burns, so make sure you wear proper eye, face and hand protection when working on or around batteries.

Battery Maintenance:
It is important to keep your vehicle batteries charged in cold weather. During the winter months the battery cells need to be checked regularly for electrolyte and water level. To insure that the batteries stay to the proper levels, use a hydrometer. You can purchase a hydrometer at any auto parts store.

Now look at the battery and its hardware, such as the battery terminals, clamps and brackets. Insure they are clean and serviceable. If the clamps and brackets are broken, replace them immediately. It the terminals are corroded, they need to be cleaned. To clean the terminals; take off the clamps, use a wire brush to remove any debris. Using a commercial battery terminal cleaner, spray the terminals with the cleaner then replace the clamps.

“Maintenance free batteries” still need maintenance!

Storing Batteries:
If you are storing equipment for the entire season, it is advised to remove the batteries and store them inside a climate controlled space off the floor. Make sure they are charged before you store them. If you are removing them, make sure you diagram or photograph the batteries before removal.

References
1. US Army research institute of Environmental Medicine, AD A263559, 2008
2. Occupational Health and Safety, 2008

Rick Scott is the Saftey Director for A Plus Benefits, Inc.