FOCUS ON SAFETY By Katharina Busch
KATHARINA BUSCH is a content contributor for Arinite, a London-based health and safety consultancy which focuses on appropriate safety training, risk assessments and risk management in many diff erent industries.
Arinite (Health and Safety Consultancy) provides service and support to a diverse customer base including fi nancial companies, retail chains, schools, manufacturers, assembly plants, warehouses, transport companies, social enterprises, and leisure facilities across the UK and Ireland.
www.arinite.co.uk • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Winter hazards: safeguarding against accidents during the cold months
WORKING in cold weather can not only be an unpleasant experience, but can also pose great health risks to workers.
Those that do not know how to protect themselves from winter-specifi c hazards are particularly at risk, especially in the construction industry. Ice and snow or frozen surfaces are just a few factors to consider which can seriously impact working conditions. Often, working outdoors cannot be avoided. So, safety training and the use of good equipment is crucial to avoid common mistakes when working in frigid temperatures.
Sweating in the cold Regardless of the season, dehydration should always be a concern. Whilst warm clothing is a winter necessity, sweating underneath layers of winter gear can be dangerous, as the body loses 25 to 30 times more heat in wet conditions compared to in dry conditions. During breaks or on the way home, cold sweat will not only feel uncomfortable on the skin, but also increase the risk of catching a cold. Therefore, the ideal protective clothing should consist of layers that can be taken off easily if needed. This goes for clothing, as well as inner layers of helmets, gloves, or shoe insoles.
Working without breaks Taking frequent breaks is very important when working outside in the cold to ensure the body can function normally. Wind shielding can be a good option for protection at the site, but cannot provide warmth. Prolonged exposure to the cold can result in limb stiffness and
24 TBH January, 2019
loss of dexterity; posing a serious risk to site safety. Wearing gloves as soon as temperatures drop below 4°C is mandatory and will keep hands warm for a while. To avoid accidents and frostbite, workers should take breaks in designated indoor facilities that provide heating, hot drinks, and changing rooms. These measures should ensure they maintain a safe core body temperature while working. Rain shielding, blankets and emergency supplies should always be provided in case they are needed in fi rst-aid situations.
Slipping and tripping Winter is the time of rain, frost and fallen leaves, which turn surfaces into dangerous slip-and-slides. Before starting work, all paths, including shortcuts and dirt roads, should be treated with grit. In particular, entrances and exits will accumulate water that easily freezes over. Putting up extra warning signs, visible both to workers and potential by-passers, will protect against injuries and potential lawsuits. Cold metal surfaces should be labelled as they can cause freezing to the skin and other injuries. Also, installing smart signs that display warning messages when temperatures drop below a certain point can be helpful to fi gure out when you need to take action.
Driving on icy roads During winter, driving on icy roads can be a nerve-wracking undertaking, especially at night. Winter tyres can help to mitigate the risk of road accidents. However, it is also the worker’s responsibility to check the vehicle for damage beforehand. Frost can cause damage to the car engine and
instruments, which can result in very dangerous situations on the motorway. Therefore, every person operating a machine or vehicle should be trained on how to eff ectively conduct maintenance. Apart from the condition of the roads, the cold can also impact someone’s judgement. People might be in a rush to get home and generally tend to be distracted by snow and rain. Feeling cold will impact someone’s attention and concentration, making driving hazardous. Warming up first, and then setting off will ensure a safer and overall more pleasant drive.
Suff ering from chronic pain People with pre-existing conditions – such as painful joints, stiff ness or arthritis – may fi nd these conditions worsen during winter. This can aff ect a worker’s productivity and overall well-being and should be taken seriously. It is important to consider time off should the condition impact a worker’s health or ability to carry out tasks safely, as they could potentially endanger others. All in all, general guidelines on how to combat winter health hazards can be unclear. Each company and workplace is different and will have different issues. Therefore, each company will need different solutions and ways to implement them.
To conclude, a company needs to keep in mind two points:
1. How prepared are we to tackle all possible winter hazards?
2. Have we trained our workers to tackle these hazards safely?
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