10 tips for staying safe in winter weather
10 tips for staying safe in winter weather
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The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), in partnership with the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), distributed guidelines Jan. 8 to help collection workers stay safe in winter weather. These guidelines are meant to help collection workers reduce the risk of injury in icy and snowy conditions.
10 Tips for Staying Safe in Winter Weather
- Wear a high-visibility safety vest to make yourself easier to see in storm conditions.
- Wear insulated boots with good grip that provide support and traction.
- Dress in layers consisting of a base layer (not cotton), insulating layer and a waterproof outer layer. Also wear a hat and gloves to maintain body heat.
- Slow down. Walk carefully and cautiously. Plant your feet securely on each step and use handrails for added support when possible.
- Anticipate ice. What appears to be a wet surface may actually be black ice.
- Enter buildings with caution. Anticipate wet and slippery surfaces.
- Don’t put your hands in your pockets. Use your arms and hands to maintain balance.
- Don’t overload yourself, which could cause you to lose balance.
- Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is just as big an issue in cold winter weather as it is in the summer.
- When shoveling snow, push instead of lift. If you must lift a loaded shovel, use your legs. Consider taking smaller scoops to avoid heavy lifting.
In addition to the above safety tips, NWRA and SWANA stressed the importance for managers to hold regular safety meetings with employees to prepare for winter weather. Critical issues to address in these meetings include training employees to recognize the dangers of slippery surfaces; emphasizing the importance of three-points of contact; and ensuring every vehicle is equipped with ice scrapers, emergency supplies and warning devices such as triangles and cones.
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Source: Recycling Today
10 tips for staying safe in winter weather
<![CDATA[The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), in partnership with the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), distributed guidelines Jan. 8 to help collection workers stay safe in winter weather. These guidelines are meant to help collection workers reduce the risk of injury in icy and snowy conditions. 10 Tips for Staying Safe in Winter Weather Wear a high-visibility safety vest to make yourself easier to see in storm conditions.Wear insulated boots with good grip that provide support and traction. Dress in layers consisting of a base layer (not cotton), insulating layer and a waterproof outer layer. Also wear a hat and gloves to maintain body heat. Slow down. Walk carefully and cautiously. Plant your feet securely on each step and use handrails for added support when possible. Anticipate ice. What appears to be a wet surface may actually be black ice. Enter buildings with caution. Anticipate wet and slippery surfaces. Don’t put your hands in your pockets. Use your arms and hands to maintain balance. Don’t overload yourself, which could cause you to lose balance. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is just as big an issue in cold winter weather as it is in the summer. When shoveling…