Safety Guidelines for Working in Cold Weather Conditions

As we are about a month into the winter season, its time to take a look at some key safety tips for those of you who have to endure the chilly conditions while you work. The El Nino year that we are in promises severe winter weather across the nation.
 
Some of the main industries that have to face this weather head on include snow removal crews, sanitation workers, emergency response personnel as well as police officers. In addition, thousands of individuals also work in indoor situations that still present risks of injury from cold temperatures including workers in the food processing industry, supermarkets or cold storage facilities.
 
Tips for staying safe in cold weather
 
- Wear layers of loose clothing to optimize continued blood flow
- Be sure to keep face, ears, and other extremities properly covered
- Wear waterproof and/or insulated boots
- If possible during break times, move into a warmer location. If not possible, employ the use of heat packs on both your hands and feet
- Keep chemical hot packs and a thermometer handy in your first aid kit
- Look out for your fellow employees for warning signs of physical danger
 
Gloves to prevent frostbite
 
One common injury that results from exposure to cold working conditions is frostbite. This can easily effect your hands and fingers because they are extremities of your body, and blood flow is effected when in cold conditions for extended periods of time. By wearing proper cold weather work gloves, you can easily prevent frostbite from occurring for yourself and your employees.
 
There are a wide variety of insulated, thermal cold condition work gloves. Anywhere from water repellant to thermal insulated, and cut resistant to freezer ready, there are sure to be gloves perfectly suited for your cold condition work environment.