Heavy snowfall, frigid temps cause special hazards for workers

How to stay informed, reduce risk

winter While the record snowfalls and sub-zero temperatures affecting a large swath of the U.S. are keeping many people indoors, some who work outdoors or whose jobs involve driving do not have that option.

At least nine deaths are being blamed on the storm, many of them in traffic accidents.

A worker operating a backhoe at a salt storage facility near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was killed when a 100-foot-tall pile of road salt fell on him, crushing him.

According to the National Weather Service, about 70 percent of injuries during winter storms result from vehicle accidents, and about 25 percent of injuries result from being caught out in the storm.

OSHA has a Winter Storms web page that provides information on how to keep employees safe during extreme winter weather conditions and includes the reminder: “Employers are required to protect workers from the anticipated hazards associated with the winter storm response and recovery operations that workers are likely to conduct."

The web page includes the following sections:

Plan, Equip, Train, Exercise
Know the Warning Signs
Stay Informed

Knowing the terms

While many states are already in the grip of a winter storm, it’s still important to monitor weather sources to stay updated about current conditions. It’s also useful to be familiar with the terms used to describe the likelihood, immediacy, and conditions of a potential storm.

Winter storm watch: Be alert, a storm is likely.

Winter weather advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists.

Frost/freeze warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops, or fruit trees.

Winter storm warning: Take action, the storm is in or entering the area.

Blizzard warning: Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill--seek refuge immediately.

Wind chill: Wind chill is an estimation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed are combined.

Continuous information

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides multiple ways to stay informed about winter storms.

NOAA Weather Radio is a network of radio stations that continuously broadcast weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office. The NOAAWatch website also provides information on the weather outlook.

Vehicle preparation

The OSHA Winter Storms web page also includes tips for making sure your vehicle is ready for winter storms, such as:

Keep your gas tank at least half full

Ensure a proper mixture of 50/50 antifreeze and water in the cooling system at the proper level.

Check the ignition system and make sure that the battery is fully charged and that the connections are clean.

Check for proper tire tread depth and no signs of damage or uneven wear. Check for proper tire inflation.

Inspect all exterior lights, defrosters (windshield and rear window), and wipers. Install winter windshield wipers.