As winter approaches us in the west, this is the time of  year when we work, as a Utah PEO Company, with our clients to prepare and train for winter weather safety. Cold stress and frostbite can be dangerous for employees that work outside during cold weather, and slips or trips along with snow removal can be hazardous for indoor employees as well as customers.

With the onset of cold weather, all employees need to be aware of the hazards that might occur, and take all necessary precautions to keep themselves safe. Under cold weather conditions, blood vessels constrict in the arms and legs which decreases blood flow. If this occurs for a prolonged period of time, and the body is unable to warm itself, serious and sometimes fatal injuries can occur. Likewise, businesses that fail to keep their employees safe with icy or wet walkways or employees that drive without properly defrosting their vehicle can also fall prey to unforeseen dangers and injuries that could be debilitating and even life threatening.

Some tips from your Utah PEO Company to keep yourself and your employees safe are:

• A healthy body is less susceptible to illness and cold related injuries
• Drink warm, sweet beverages; the sugar helps your body generate heat
• Dress properly; dress in layers to keep warm and dry
• Allow rest and warm up breaks if working outside; get out of the cold as much as possible
• Schedule work during the warmest part of the day if possible
• Work with your back to the wind
• Train employees on what to look for with cold related injuries
• Provide proper clothing and equipment; keep footwear dry at all times
• Designate an employee (or hire a professional) to keep all parking lots clear of snow and ice, as well as walkways and entrances
• Keep a bucket of salt near door areas during snow/icy weather. Assign an employee to check outdoor walkways during business hours
• Remind and train employees to wear shoes with traction; or bring an extra pair to use while walking outside during bad weather
• Provide signage for pooled water and potential slip and trip areas
• If you employ drivers, remind them about safe driving during winter and provide training on defensive driving and winter weather driving
• Prepare all company vehicles now with working windshield wipers, good working tires, and ice scrapers. Also prepare an emergency bag in the truck with a blanket, cones, and other emergency items if needed

With any potential hazard, bad weather can come quickly and change without warning. They key to avoid weather related injuries is to prepare, train, and remind employees how to keep themselves safe. When employees are aware of the hazard, it can reduce the chance of an injury!