Search OSSA Site for:

OSSA Support Line:
1-888-478-OSSA (6772)

• Products
• Services
• Resources
• Community

Don't leave employee safety out in the cold

Many jobs within the service sector demand that employees work outside for extended periods of time. Without proper training and protection, workers who must brave the outdoors often face serious health and safety risks during winter.

While cold weather is a significant hazard during winter it is not the only hazard workers are faced with. Winter brings with it snow, ice, and howling winds thereby increasing the number of hazards. As an employer or someone with health and safety responsibilities you need to be able to recognize these hazards and put in place controls that minimize the risk.

Let’s consider each of these hazards and the how each can be mitigated.

Hazards related to Musculoskeletal Disorders

MSDs are disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and other soft tissues of the body. Damage from these injuries may be irreversible or irreparable. Approximately 45% of all work-related injuries are a direct result of over-exertion, awkward posture, or repetitive tasks.

Shovelling snow is more often than not a key factor in causing MSDs. The following precautions make snow shovelling easier and safer:

• Wax or lubricate the shovel so snow won’t stick
• Never overload the shovel especially when the snow is wet and heavy
• Watch for hidden obstacles – sudden stops are tough on the body
• Take a break when you need it; working in the cold is especially tiring
• Keep ice chippers in good condition so you don’t have to over-exert yourself

Slips and falls

Any amount of snowfall or ice formation significantly increases slip and fall hazards. Workers can prevent slips and falls on snowy, icy and wet surfaces by:

• Walking slowly on icy or slippery surfaces; and taking small steps to improve traction
• Controlling slippery conditions outside by using the approved snow and ice removal compounds
• Keeping entraces as free as possible from ice and snow accumulations to ensure safe traction at all times
• Using entrance mats to add traction and protection

Small equipment hazards

Safety first means making sure your equipment is in top shape as most of today’s small groundskeeping equipment can harm you in one way or another. Some general rules for operating all equipment would include:

• Ensuring you know how to use equipment effectively and safely. Even if you have used a piece of equipment before at another workplace, ensure you are trained because your new workplace may have different rules for using it
• Practice on a small area before taking the tool or equipment out on a job
• Be aware that most equipment has moving parts. Do not attempt to service equipment yourself. Get help.

Cold weather hazards

When you are out in cold weather, you body temperature can drop pretty fast depending on; air temperature, wind speed, heat of the sun, and the kind of work being done.

Be aware of:

• Frostbite: When skin tissue and blood vessels are exposed to tempertures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, frostbite occurs. Depending on the extent of frostbite it can lead to blood clots or even gangrene which usually results in amputation.Dress appropriately and pay special attential to exposure to the nose, ears, cheeks, fingers and toes.
• Flying particles: Most eye injuries are caused by flying or falling objects, contact with chemicals or sparks.Wear CSA-approved safety glasses, goggles, and / or a face shield. Know where your workplace eye wash station is
• Noise: Wear CSA-approved ear protectors and earplugs to reduce hearing damage and fatigue caused by noise from equipment that operate at high decibels

Chemical Hazards

Gasoline is a common fuel used in many groundskeeping machines. It is extremely hazardous as it is flammable, can accumulate a static charge as it flows or is agitated, floats on water and easily spreads by itself or causes fire to spread. Its vapour is heavier than air and may spread long distances making it possible for distant ignition and flash backs to occur. Inhaling gasoline can affect the central nervous system.Here are some precautions to take when using gasoline:

• Never fuel machines or other equipment indoors, in an enclosed space, or when machines are hot, as gasoline fumes can accumulate quickly and ignite from the slightest source of heat
• Never smoke around gasoline
• Avoid working with gasoline in close proximity to any form of static discharge, friction, sparks, open flameor other sources of ignition
• Ensure you receive WHMIS training

 

Working outdoors is manageable when you know all the hazards and have the proper controls in place. You owe it to your workers. Be a safe workplace all year round.

For more information, check out OSSA's The Great Outdoors: Winter Groundskeeping Training Package.

^ top of page