Winter is here, and for most of the country, this means frigid temperatures, slippery roads, and increasingly hazardous working conditions. Below are company safety precautions or policies from Comprehensive Employment Solutions (CES) to help keep employees safe during winter months. A large variety of winter weather situations can/will impact your employees, whether they work in the field or in the office/shop. Below are some general tips employers can use to help keep everyone safe during this time of year:
- Make sure employees are trained on recognizing the signs/symptoms of cold-related illnesses (hypothermia/frostbite).
- Provide warm areas for use during break periods.
- Provide warm liquids (no alcohol) to workers.
- Allow new or returning workers to acclimatize or build a tolerance for working in the cold.
- Monitor workers for signs of cold illness, such as, excessive shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, confusion and disorientation, and bluish or pale waxy skin.
- Schedule outside work during warmer parts of the day.
- Keep walkways free of snow and ice.
- Monitor weather conditions daily for each jobsite and have a reliable means of communicating with employees, especially those in remote areas.
- Train your employees on emergency procedures and when to seek medical attention.
Now, it is not all about employer responsibilities… Employees need to be self-aware, not only on the job, but in their personal lives as well—doesn’t matter where an injury occurs, an injured/sick employee is not productive to your business operations:
- Dressing appropriately for cold temperatures, i.e., dressing in layers allows for the removal of outer layers as necessary to adjust for body temperature when working and to prevent the layer of clothing next to the skin from becoming damp from exertion and the elements.
- Wear the appropriate outer wear, i.e., coats, hats, gloves, etc. to protect skin from exposure to the cold.
- Take breaks in a heated shelter and drink warm liquids.
- Use caution when driving on snow- and ice-covered roads.
- Know the signs of cold illness and what to do in an emergency.
Finally, if you see someone doing something unsafe (during the winter or any other time) SAY SOMETHING! Working together and watching out for each other helps keep everyone safe!
If you would like to learn more about CES’s safety and HR programs or their payroll services, reach out to Ian Schotanus at 707-395-0357 or ischotanus@trustces.com.
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As always, SGI Partner Network is here to help and support your team. If you have any questions, please reach out to us.
SGI Partner Network: 866-356-8328
Alana Willey, Partner Engagement Manager, 941-702-9608, AWilley@YourSGI.com
Rebecca Basso, Partner Engagement Manager, 941-893-2904, Rbasso@YourSgi.com
Kevin Gurski, Director of Strategic Initiatives, 941-702-9605, KGurski@YourSGI.com